Johnny Sexton presence not overshadowing Ireland 10s, says Andy Farrell

Andy Farrell insists Johnny Sexton's presence in the Ireland camp isn’t casting a shadow over the next crop of out-halves.

The former Ireland captain hung up his boots after a stellar 14-year career in green following last year’s World Cup but returned to the set-up before the start of the Autumn Nations Series.

Initially brought in as a kicking consultant and advisor for Jack Crowley, Ciarán Frawley and Sam Prendergast, his role has evolved but he still has no official title.

Sexton had a huge presence when playing, often described as a coach on the field and it had been suggested that the younger players might benefit from not having a figure like the former Leinster number 10 looming large as they cut their teeth at international level.

Farrell, whose side take on Fiji tomorrow, says that’s not the case.

"I know, I’ve heard that said by a few," said Farrell, who had indicated last week that he was becoming tired of questions about Sexton’s involvement in the camp.

"That couldn’t be any further from the truth. Honestly, these guys love sharing their thoughts and even more importantly, Johnny sharing his thoughts on them.

"All that he’s trying to do, and they 100% know this, that he’s there to help them and they appreciate that."

However much Farrell and the rest of the management would like to keep Sexton’s involvement in the background, he was never going to be able to operate under the radar.

Now a commercial manager for recyclable metal and glass packaging company, Sexton had previously said he would shun offers to coach players he used to play alongside.

But the lure proved too strong.

In total, Farrell fielded five questions yesterday about the 2018 World Rugby player of the year, all legitimate queries considering the IRFU