Irish · Dublin, Ireland · Born 11 July 1985Jonathan Sexton is Ireland's record cap-holder and points scorer at fly-half, named World Rugby Player of the Year in 2018 and captaining Ireland to a Grand Slam in 2023.
Jonathan Jeremiah "Johnny" Sexton was born on 11 July 1985 in Dublin, Ireland, and attended St Mary's College before studying at University College Dublin, progressing through Leinster's academy and making his professional debut in 2006. He developed into one of the most complete fly-halves in the history of the sport, combining tactical intelligence, goal-kicking reliability, and an unrelenting competitive intensity. Sexton made his Ireland debut in 2009 and became the central figure in Irish rugby's rise to sustained success over the following decade and a half, captaining the national side and leading Ireland to multiple Six Nations titles, including Grand Slams in 2018 and 2023. He spent two seasons with French club Racing 92 before returning to Leinster in 2015. Sexton won the 2018 World Rugby Player of the Year award, becoming the first Irish player to receive the honour, and toured with the British and Irish Lions in 2013, 2017, and as a Test starter in the drawn 2017 series against New Zealand. His dramatic last-minute drop goal against France in the 2018 Six Nations, part of a 41-phase attacking move, is regarded as one of the greatest individual moments in the tournament's history. Sexton retired after Ireland's exit from the 2023 World Cup, having earned well over 100 caps and become the country's all-time leading points scorer. He has since moved into coaching, serving as a consultant with Ireland and an assistant coach on the victorious 2025 British and Irish Lions tour of Australia.
Ireland's most-capped out-half, 2018 World Rugby Player of the Year
How They Played
Sexton was renowned for his exceptional game management, tactical kicking, and ability to control the tempo of matches from fly-half. His goal-kicking was consistently reliable under pressure, often delivering crucial points in tight games. He possessed excellent vision and passing skills, orchestrating attacking moves while maintaining defensive solidity.
Lasting Impact
Sexton is widely regarded as one of the greatest fly-halves in rugby history and played a pivotal role in Ireland's golden era of success in the 2010s and early 2020s.
Career Honours
- World Rugby Player of the Year 2018
- Six Nations Grand Slams 2018, 2023
- European Cup titles with Leinster/Racing 92
| Club | Period | Apps | Tries | Shirt |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Leinster | 2006–2019 | 202 | 55 | #10 |
| Racing 92 | 2013–2015 | 46 | 398 | — |
 Ireland | — | 115 | — | — |
Irish Athletes