In a major boost for Ireland ahead of Saturday's Six Nations clash against England, skipper Johnny Sexton has signed a new contract through to the end of the 2023 Rugby World Cup.
There were question marks over the fly-half's future given his previous deal was due to expire at the end of the 2021/22 season but his participation at next year's tournament in France now looks assured.
Sexton remains an integral player for club and country as he nears his 37th birthday in July, with no other player quite able to replicate his impact in the nation's No. 10 jersey.
The two-time British and Irish Lions tourist is Ireland's second-highest points-scorer of all time (963), though he needs just 121 more to overtake Munster icon Ronan O'Gara at top spot.
He also brought up his century of Ireland caps in last year's win over Japan (now 103), not to mention starting in the November victory over New Zealand (Ireland's third win in their last five meetings with the All Blacks ).
“I always said that if I am enjoying my rugby and the Ireland and Leinster set-ups believe I can add value to the environment then it would be an easy decision to sign another contract," said Sexton as news of his extension emerged.
"There is some great talent coming through at Leinster at present and I am excited about the prospect of competing at a fourth World Cup with Ireland and the potential for growth in this group between now and then.”
Ireland will need their playmaker at his best if they're to win at Twickenham for the first time since 2018 on Saturday, with hosts England looking up for the fight after winning two in a row.
Eddie Jones has insisted the visitors will be favourites at Twickenham, however, while he also singled out "outstanding" Sexton—a three-time Six Nations championfor praise earlier on Tuesday.
"He’s a durable guy," said the England head coach. "How many times have we seen it look like he’s got a terrible injury and he comes back and plays well? It’s testament to his desire and to the way that Ireland have set up their rugby."
Munster fly-half Joey Carbery has emerged as a potential successor as Ireland's next fly-half, having staved off injury to enjoy a promising Six Nations campaign this year.
Sexton remains Andy Farrell's go-to man in the architect role, however, and it will be a weight off Irish minds knowing he'll be around to steer the ship at a fourth Rugby World Cup.
Irish Rugby's performance director, David Nucifora, praised the veteran's ongoing importance at Test level: "Johnny’s performances continue to be of the highest standard and he remains an integral member of the Ireland and Leinster squads.
"He has always been a leader on the field and in the past two years since taking on the Ireland captaincy his leadership off it has been top class. Johnny is a generational player and we are delighted that he has extended to 2023.”
Leinster will also be thrilled to know the four-time European Champions Cup -winner is signed on for another season as they look to maintain their stranglehold among Ireland's provinces.
Gordon D'Arcy, Sexton's former team-mate at club and international level, has in the past called upon his old comrade to 'channel his inner Tom Brady' by making it to France next year.
Defeat to France in the second round of this year's Six Nations dented Ireland's chances of lifting the title, although victory at Twickenham on Saturday would keep Sexton's side in the fight.
