Official: Sexton returns to Leinster

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Racing Métro and the IRFU have confirmed that fly-half Jonathan Sexton will leave the club to return home at the end of the season.

Racing Métro and the IRFU have confirmed that fly-half Jonathan Sexton will leave the club to return home at the end of the season.

The Top 14 side announced Sexton's departure at a press conference on Thursday.

Sexton had the option of a one-year extension on his current deal at the end of this campaign, but also reportedly received four-year offers from Racing to extend his time in Paris and from the IRFU to return home.

“The IRFU and Leinster Rugby are pleased to announce that Jonathan Sexton has signed a contract with the IRFU, until the end of November 2019, which will see him re-join Leinster for the 2015/16 season,” read a statement from the Irish governing body.

“Jonathan made 110 appearances for Leinster between 2006 and 2013 scoring 1,015 points for the province. While at Leinster he won three European Cups, two Pro12 titles and a Challenge Cup.

“Sexton made his Ireland debut in the 41-6 victory over Fiji in November 2009. The 29 year old has won 45 caps for Ireland scoring 391 points. His most recent appearance for Ireland was in the 23-17 defeat of Argentina on the 2014 Summer Tour.

“Jonathan played in all five games of Ireland's 2014 RBS 6 Nations Championship winning campaign and toured with the 2013 series winning British & Irish Lions squad starting in all three Tests against Australia.

“His recent injury has ruled him out for a number of weeks but he is hopeful of returning for Ireland in the Test series November.

“Jonathan is one the best out-halves in world rugby and the IRFU are delighted that he will be playing his rugby in Ireland. Irish rugby will benefit hugely from having a player of his calibre playing full-time in Ireland,” said IRFU CEO Philip Browne.

“I am pleased to be re-joining Leinster, the club where I started my professional career. I grew up playing my rugby in Leinster and always wanting to pull on the blue jersey so I am delighted to be able to return to play my club rugby in Ireland,” said Sexton.

“I get along with everyone here and it was a tough decision to take but I had to make a choice for my family and my Test career.

“I don't regret my choice to come to France and Racing at all. It was an incredible experience. Now I don't to hear anything about my contract. All I want is concentrate on Racing and only Racing.

“I am pleased to be re-joining Leinster, the club where I started my professional career. I grew up playing my rugby in Leinster and always wanting to pull on the blue jersey so I am delighted to be able to return to play my club rugby in Ireland.”