Six Nations: Absence from France loss motivates Ireland captain Johnny Sexton

Ireland captain Johnny Sexton will use the disappointment of missing the thrilling loss to France a fortnight ago as a motivator for him to reach the 2023 Rugby World Cup.

Sexton, who just recovered from a hamstring injury, concedes that every Test could be his last as he hopes to rejoin the starting line-up for the clash against Italy in Dublin on Sunday.

Ireland’s group sees them battle with South Africa and Scotland, with most of their games being played in the Stade de France. The captain is determined to take one last swing at the greatest prize in rugby.

“Every opportunity you get to play in the green jersey when you’re my age, you know it could be your last,” said the 36-year-old, who has 102 Ireland caps.

“It could be your last of that fixture; I hope it’s not my last in the Stade de France as there are some pretty important World Cup games there that I would love to be a part of.

“That’s not what I was thinking at the time. I was disappointed to miss such a big game, the biggest game we’ve had in a long time.

“During the game, I tried to soak in the atmosphere, feel what it’s like in the stadium and use it as motivation to get there (the World Cup).

“We’ve got two pool games, we’ve got a potential quarter-final, potential semi-final, final all in that stadium, so I tried to soak in as much of it as I could.”

Ireland’s Grand Slam dreams and nine-match winning streak were halted by the 30-24 loss, which put Les Bleus in pole position for championship glory.

After hosting the Italians in Dublin this weekend, Andy Farrell’s men – who began by defeating Wales – travel to England on March 12 before completing the tournament at home to Scotland a week later.

Sexton, who is hoping to regain the number 10 jersey from