Johnny Sexton on why it meant so much to represent a ‘United Ireland’ team

The former Ireland captain opened up about the pride of playing for both sides of the border.

The Dublin native retired after the 2023 World Cup quarter-final loss to New Zealand, having made 118 appearances for his country.

Speaking on Joe Brolly's Free State podcast just days after his autobiography Obsessed was released, Sexton was asked if a 'United Ireland' as a political entity would make the Ireland rugby team stronger.

"We spoke about that, how powerful the jersey was and it was Andy (Farrell) that made us see it," he added. "This jersey had stood the test of time, we are the only sport that stayed united through all the Troubles.

"And that was something that motivated us to put another layer in the story of the Irish jersey, to go and win the World Cup."

He continued: "It is ironic that an Englishman was teaching us these things. When you are playing for something bigger than yourself, it actually gets you out of your own way at times because you are fighting for a new (target).

"One of the things I thought about a lot was the teams that had won the World Cup in years gone by had been fighting for something bigger.

"South Africa they always talked about uniting the nation," he added. "New Zealand in 2011, and they had that massive earthquake and so many people died and that was such a massive motivation for them for their home World Cup."

Last week, Sexton told The Times that England star Owen Farrell would have been considered Ireland’s “greatest player” had he worn a green shirt instead of a white one.

When asked which fly-half he would take to Australia next summer on the British and Irish Lions Tour, Sexton said his former boss' son without hesitation.

"Who do you want in there when the going gets tough? Test-match animals. For me, I’d like Owen. He can do some remarkable things," he said.

"If Owen Farrell were Irish, he’d be considered the greatest player that we’ve had. An amazing competitor. But for some reason he just didn’t get that [respect].

He continued: "He’s one of the best team-mates I’ve ever had. He’s one of the best players I’ve ever played with. It’s tough to see him not playing international rugby.

"He’s someone that should be playing international rugby still and captaining England. I have nothing but admiration for him.

"When you know him as a person, you see the real Owen Farrell."