Goodman praises Sexton role in Ireland’s England prep

Men’s Six Nations: Ireland v England

Venue: Aviva Stadium Date: Saturday, 1 February Kick-off: 16: 45 GMT

Ireland attack coach Andrew Goodman has praised former captain Johnny Sexton’s role in preparing the team’s fly-halves for Saturday’s Six Nations opener with England.

Sexton left the 2023 World Cup after taking up a part-time coaching position with the team in November, but he is now assisting in the development of the next generation.

Working closely with Sam Prendergast and Jack Crowley, who are in stark competition for the 10 jersey ahead of Ireland’s title defense, has been a part of the five-time Six Nations champion’s remit.

“He’s doing the coaching with the kicking and mental skills”, said Goodman, who joined Ireland’s coaching ticket last year, replacing Mike Catt.

Sexton was part of Ireland’s pre-tournament training camp in Portugal, and while imparting his wisdom on the fly-halves has been a key responsibility, Goodman says he has also been assisting the coaches and Caelan Doris, who replaced Peter O’Mahony as captain in November.

“For us coaches, he’s got such a great eye on the game”, added Goodman, who worked with Sexton at Leinster.

“Personally, I run things past him and I love him because we always have discussion and debate, and in the end, you get a really good spot.”

The fly-half selection for interim head coach Simon Easterby is one of the most intriguing choices made ahead of his first team announcement on Thursday, with Ciaran Frawley also making the roster.

While Crowley quickly established himself as first-choice following Sexton’s retirement, Prendergast’s emergence in the autumn Tests – he started the last two – has created a healthy rivalry between the pair.

” There’s definitely a rivalry, “said Goodman.

One is going to be on the bench, one is on the bench, and one is not going to be playing, but you have to get the balance right when you’re competing.