An emotional weekend awaits Ireland captain Johnny Sexton as he leads his side onto the field for one final time in the Six Nations.
Ireland meets England on Saturday at 5 pm, knowing victory will capture an elusive Dublin Grand Slam. As well as this, Sexton is a solitary kick from overtaking Munster great Ronan Gara as the tournament's all-time leading points scorer (currently tied at 557 with O'Gara).
Building towards Super Saturday! ⚡️#TeamOfUs | #GuinnessSixNations pic.twitter.com/kPSgMR7OJ7
— Irish Rugby (@IrishRugby) March 15, 2023
With squad members already addressing that Saturday’s Six Nations finale will be the out-half’s last outing in the competition, he's focused on the rugby.
"You know, you do feel that sense of occasion - this is the last Six Nations Game, but there is so much ahead, please god," he said while speaking with media today.
"Stay lucky and avoid injuries. Hopefully, there is a World Cup ahead, and hopefully, there are some knockout games with Leinster in the Aviva.
"I'm trying to get away from the fact that it's this big last time. It's just a cup final and that's all we're thinking about."
⏪ Last time out against England at the Aviva! #TeamOfUs | #GuinnessSixNations pic.twitter.com/QGYRHTSezA
— Irish Rugby (@IrishRugby) March 15, 2023
The 37-year-old looks set to retire after the Word Cup later this year. Despite the speculation, he has repeatedly stressed that the team is his sole priority.
A six-day turnaround between victory in Scotland has left the squad with a decreased week of training.
Today was the primary training day, with the squad back in camp tomorrow. It provides the players with necessary family time and moments to reaffirm why many sacrifices are made.
"I go home today for half of the day and back into camp tomorrow," he confirmed.
"Look, it goes over the kids’ heads, most of it. They do kinda come out with some mad stuff the odd time.
"Luca is at the age now where he understands what’s going on and he’s looking forward to coming and wanting to come on the pitch at the end of the game. He knows that he only comes on if we win."
"They are the things that you try to make happen. You try and give your family special moments, the supporters, the Irish people - we talk about it all the time."
"You hope that us wearing the green jersey and playing well can make people proud to be Irish and can associate with us." 💚#TeamOfUs | #GuinnessSixNations
— Irish Rugby (@IrishRugby) March 14, 2023
Andy Farrell’s side has the opportunity to create history by becoming the first Ireland team to win a Grand Slam in Dublin.
"It’s never been done at home," he continued.
"It’s something that we identified very early and said, 'imagine this happening, imagine having a shot at it at home in front of your family, friends, and you know, now it’s a big occasion'.
"It's about dealing with that, embracing it and getting a good performance out there that warrants putting us in a position to win the game."
