I proclaim my status as one of Ireland's top-tier athletes; presently, I, however, am employed in the packaging industry.
In the world of Irish rugby, few can rival Johnny Sexton's illustrious career. This exceptional athlete has achieved some remarkable feats, such as being the second Irishman to receive the World Rugby Player of the Year title, winning the Six Nations ten times, and capturing the coveted Grand Slam an impressive three times.
Sexton, with an astonishing 118 caps for Ireland, was also a key figure for Leinster, leading them to four European Rugby Champions Cup victories. The elusive Webb Ellis Cup, however, continues to allude him.
Upon his retirement following the 2023 Rugby World Cup, many anticipated seeing Sexton on punditry panels or quickly moving into coaching. Yet, Sexton chose a different path, opting for a more challenging venture.
Speaking with Alan Brazil and Gabriel Agbonlahor on talkSPORT Breakfast show in October 2024, Sexton shared his new role as an executive in a packaging company, allowing him to try something entirely new and push himself to adapt.
According to his LinkedIn profile, Sexton now serves as the Chief of Staff for Ardagh Group, a prominent global packaging solutions supplier. He began part-time work with the company in April 2021, shortly before retirement, but has since taken on a more substantial role within the organization.
Transitioning from a professional athlete to civilian life, Sexton acknowledged the difficulty of embracing retirement. He found the lack of routine and structure particularly challenging, but ultimately discovered ways to find happiness in his new ventures.
"I have a routine," Sexton said. "That's the thing I was used to. How do I get my gym in? How do I get my few rounds of golf in." In addition to his corporate role, Sexton also found joy in playing seven-a-side soccer and sharing numerous behind-the-scenes tales in his autobiography, 'Obsessed,' which was released in 2024.
Sexton's autobiography offers an intimate look into his career and personal life. Although writing the book was difficult at times, Sexton believed fans would appreciate learning about his experiences and the untold stories from his incredible rugby journey.
In an unexpected twist, Sexton is now part of the British and Irish Lions coaching staff as they prepare for their summer tour to Australia. This venture marks his return to rugby following retirement and offers the opportunity to work alongside his former coach, Andy Farrell, and mentor younger players. Despite missing out on a third Lions tour himself in 2021, Sexton seems eager to help the team succeed in their upcoming contest against the Wallabies.
- Despite his retirement from rugby, Johnny Sexton rarely confines himself to the world of sports, instead opting for a sustainable venture in a packaging company.
- After retiring from professional rugby following the 2023 Rugby World Cup, John Sexton was confirmed as the Chief of Staff for Ardagh Group, a globally recognized packaging solutions provider.
- In his new life, Sexton has found a sense of routine through playing seven-a-side soccer, golf, and has even written an autobiography, 'Obsessed.'
- While Sexton will always be remembered for his exceptional career in rugby, he has also displayed versatility by venturing into the largely unfamiliar territory of the corporate world.
- Contrary to expectations, Sexton's post-retirement journey has led him back to rugby as he joined the British and Irish Lions coaching staff for their summer tour to Australia in 2025.
- Despite missing out on a third British and Irish Lions tour himself in 2021, Sexton's role in coaching now presents an opportunity to work alongside his former coach, Andy Farrell, and mentor younger players.
