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Crowley not shying away from becoming Sexton's long-term replacement

Ireland and Munster out-half Jack Crowley has said he welcomes the idea of being Ireland's main outhalf for the 2024 Six Nations. The Innishannon native is one of the contenders to replace former Ireland's former outhalf and captain Johnny Sexton.

Sexton played over 118 times for Ireland and was one of the country's best-ever players. It seems obvious that Ireland will miss his leadership this coming Six Nations, but Crowley, who has already stepped up for Munster and Ireland, believes that he can step into the legendary shoes that Sexton has left behind. The Munster player has welcomed the experience of replacing one of Ireland's best-ever players

"I think if you asked any other lad at any other province or any other team in the URC and whatnot, you always aspire to be in the starting position," said Crowley this week ahead of the France game.

"You want to be that guy. I'd be lying if I said otherwise.And given the calibre of the two lads and what they’ve done for their provinces and for Ireland as a nation, they’ve obviously served and achieved massively. Of course, that comparison is going to be there, and there’s an expectation."

"But I think that’s what makes Irish rugby so good: that we have that expectation and ambition. I hope that we can fill that.

Dan Sheehan of Leinster is tackled by Jack Crowley of Munster during the A Interprovincial Friendly match between Munster A and Leinster A at Thomond Park in Limerick. (Photo By Brendan Moran/Sportsfile via Getty Images) )

Crowley is just one of a number of candidates that could become Sexton's long-term replacement. There are also the likes of Ross Byrne, Harry Byrne, Ciaran Frawley, and Sam Prendergast, who are looking to fight it out for the number 10 jersey. However, Crowley has the most experience at the international level, despite being only 24.

Ireland's defence coach, Simon Easterby, speaking on Saturday, believes that Crowley has the "confidence" to beat the other contending outhalfs in Ireland to the coveted jersey

“Jack’s always had that confidence,” Easterby said on Saturday. “That’s not just now; it was what he was like when he first came in. I experienced Jack in Bloemfontein a while ago on the Emerging (Ireland) tour, and he impressed us with the way he handles himself, the way he demands high standards, and not just of others but of himself, and that’s the mark of a young man who’s driving to be really successful.

“He will have learned a huge amount from his time with Johnny, as would all of our 10s, Harry, Frawls, and Sam coming in as well. So I think we’ve got a really good blend of players in that position at the moment. Players who are hungry to take the baton on, and Jack’s certainly one of those.

Ireland will open their Six Nations campaign against France in Marseille on February 2, followed by fixtures against Italy, Wales, England, and Scotland. All three of Ireland’s home matches at Aviva Stadium are sold out, with RTÉ and Virgin Media providing free-to-air coverage in the Republic of Ireland and BBC and ITV broadcasting in the United Kingdom.