'When I added everything up, it was an easy decision' - Sexton determined to prove his worth for World Cup

Johnny Sexton says he is aware he still has to prove he's worth his place at next year's Rugby World Cup.

The Ireland captain yesterday agreed a contract extension with the IRFU, before confirming he would retire after the tournament in October 2023.

On form, the 36-year-old is still comfortably Ireland's first-choice out-half when fit, with Joey Carbery and Jack Carty his closest challengers ahead of a peloton of younger suitors across the four provinces.

However, while he's still captain and the best out-half on form, he has seen former team-mates miss out on a World Cup swansong in the past, notably John Hayes in 2011 and his former Leinster partner Gordon D'Arcy in 2015.

Both players had taken up contract offers until the end of the respective World Cup cycles, before ultimately missing the final selection.

Sexton admits he's taking that risk by continuing beyond his 38th birthday, but says having witnessed their experiences, he's even more determined to maintain his form into next season.

Johnny Sexton has signed one final contract extension with the IRFU, with the Ireland captain set to retire after the 2023 World Cup. pic.twitter.com/Zx7kqfCRdg

"The thought of doing that (missing out on selection) is one that you kind of go, 'ah, I'll just finish up now', but the want to go on, and I feel so much part of this team and I love this team so much, and it’s the same set-up with Leinster," the Ireland captain said.

"I don’t feel like I want to walk away and I feel that I can still contribute and I want to and that’s the most important thing. I love coming to work everyday.

"So when I added everything up, it was an easy decision and there’s always that driving factor at the back of your head that there’s a risk that you get left