Six Nations: Ireland captain Johnny Sexton says French scrutiny is 'nothing new'

Ireland's Johnny Sexton says he is unfazed by the attention he receives from France in the build-up to their annual Six Nations meeting.

The fly-half spent two years at Racing 92 and is often the subject of much scrutiny when the national teams meet.

On Tuesday, former France boss Philippe Saint-Andre suggested to French newspaper Midi Olympique that Ireland may be better without Sexton.external-link

«I'm well used to it in this week of the season,» Sexton responded.

«France, whether it's home or away, there is always something from one direction or another whether it's inside the camp or outside the camp.

»You can't control what people say, you have to try and do your talking on the pitch. It's nothing new for me in this fixture to have some things thrown at me that you wouldn't expect."

Last year a French doctor who worked with Sexton during his time at Racing apologised to the fly-half after speculating over his history of concussion.

His two-year spell in Paris was largely disappointing and he returned to Leinster in 2015 having agreed terms with the province just a year into his stay in the French capital.

«I actually remember talking to [former Leinster head coach] Matt O'Connor at the time when I was coming back,» Sexton recalled.

«He was telling me that he thinks it'll have made me a better player because you've had to learn how to try and win in a different way.

»I was so used to the Leinster way, to the Joe Schmidt way with Ireland and Leinster over the years. Then to get exposed to a set-up in Racing that was very different, I think you did learn a lot about yourself and how the team runs and operates.

«I'm definitely better for the experience and learned a lot when I was over there.»

The northern hemisphere's two form