'We'll see, we'll see' - Sexton coy on retirement plans

Johnny Sexton has hinted that he may postpone his plans to retire after next year's World Cup, adding that he continues to be driven on by his British and Irish Lions snub in 2021.

The Ireland captain has shown no signs of slowing down this season, with the 37-year-old nominated for World Rugby Men's Player of the Year this week, joining Brian O'Driscoll as the only Irishman to be included on the shortlist three times.

Earlier this year, the Leinster out-half confirmed he would retire from rugby after next year's World Cup, by which point he'll be 38.

However, when the possibility of prolonging his career was broached yesterday, Sexton says he had been "caught by surprise" with a retirement question when he signed his latest contract in March.

"Well, you guys caught me by surprise when I announced the extension, I thought it was a good news story, and then 'does this mean you're retiring after?’, like you can’t get rid of me quick enough," he laughed, when asked about potentially rowing back on his plans.

"So, it caught me by surprise. I genuinely didn’t expect that question in the first place, and I hadn’t prepared for it, and I kind of thought 'is it not kind of obvious?'

"But we’ll see, we’ll see."

For now, it seems, he's keeping his future plans vague.

"I just need to concentrate on what's ahead of me, and that’s all I am doing, concentrating on this season and trying to make the most of every opportunity I get, and please God get to the World Cup and then see what happens."

Despite the continued questions over his retirement date, there's no doubt he remains at the top of his game, with three wins against New Zealand, and victories against England and South Africa proof of how important he remains to Andy Farrell's side.

And