Sexton’s Lions Appointment Sparks Questions Over Russell’s Future
In a move that has sent shockwaves through the rugby world, Johnny Sexton has been announced as the latest coaching addition to the British and Irish Lions. The news, which was confirmed on Thursday, has raised questions about the future of Scotland fly-half Finn Russell, given Sexton’s well-documented reservations about the player.
According to a report in the BBC, Sexton’s appointment as a Lions coach has sparked concerns in the Russell camp, with the Scotland fly-half’s prospects for the upcoming tour of Australia potentially taking a hit. As the BBC notes, Sexton has long been critical of Russell’s playing style, describing him as "flashy" and a "media darling" in an interview with The Times last autumn.
The BBC reports that Sexton’s comments on Russell have been well-documented, with the Irishman expressing his disappointment at being overlooked for the last Lions tour in 2021. In his autobiography, published last year, Sexton revealed that he had expected to be selected alongside Owen Farrell and Dan Biggar, but was instead pipped to the spot by Russell. This decision clearly left a sour taste in Sexton’s mouth, with the Irishman stating that being overlooked "kills me to this day."
Sexton’s appointment as a Lions coach, alongside his existing roles as Ireland head coach and attack coach, has raised concerns that Russell may struggle to win over the new coach. As the BBC notes, Sexton and Russell are polar opposites as players and people, with the Irishman likely to favour a more pragmatic approach to the game. This could potentially put Russell at a disadvantage, with Sexton’s views on the player well-documented.
However, as the BBC points out, Sexton’s new role as a Lions coach may also present an opportunity for him to re-evaluate his opinion of Russell. Having previously seen the Scotland fly-half as a rival player, Sexton will now be required to assess Russell through a coach’s eyes. This could potentially lead to a change in Sexton’s opinion of Russell, although it’s unclear at this stage whether this will be the case.
The BBC quotes an interview in which Sexton stated that he would pick Owen Farrell as his starting Test 10, rather than Russell. "Who do you want in there when the going gets tough? Test match animals," Sexton said. "I know who the media would want. Finn Russell, Marcus Smith, the flashy…". This statement has been interpreted as a slight against Russell, although the Scotland fly-half has remained stoic in the face of Sexton’s comments.
Sexton’s appointment has also raised questions about the future of Owen Farrell, who is set to play a key role in the Lions’ tour of Australia. The BBC notes that Farrell’s father, Andy, will be responsible for selecting the squad, and that Owen’s inclusion is far from certain. However, with Sexton now on board as a coach, Farrell’s chances of selection may have just received a significant boost.
As the BBC notes, the Lions’ tour of Australia is just around the corner, with the squad set to be named on May 8. With Sexton now on board as a coach, the dynamics of the team are likely to be significantly altered. One thing is certain, however: the appointment of Johnny Sexton as a Lions coach has added a new layer of intrigue to the team’s preparations for the tour.
The British and Irish Lions will be looking to bounce back from a difficult few years, and the appointment of Sexton is seen as a significant coup. As the BBC reports, Sexton’s experience and expertise will be invaluable to the team, and his appointment is likely to be seen as a positive move by many fans.
Ultimately, it remains to be seen how Sexton’s appointment will impact on Russell’s future with the Lions. One thing is certain, however: the Scotland fly-half will have to be at the top of his game if he is to win over the new coach and secure a spot on the tour. With the competition for places heating up, Russell will need to be at his best if he is to make a lasting impression on Sexton and the rest of the coaching team.
The British and Irish Lions tour of Australia is set to be a thrilling encounter, with the team looking to make a significant impact on the rugby world. With Sexton on board as a coach, the team will be hoping to achieve great things, and it will be interesting to see how the dynamics of the team play out in the coming weeks and months.
Source: https://www.bbc.com/sport/articles/c7937n394yvo BBC Sport.
