Lowe says Sexton departure 'sad to see', but admits Ireland will cope

Ireland and Leinster rugby player James Lowe has admitted that the retirement of long-standing Irish captain Johnny Sexton is a sad concept but admits that the Irish team will get on with the task at hand.

Sexton retired after the Rugby World Cup, having made over 118 appearances for Ireland. Sexton is also the country's record points scorer after breaking Ronan O'Gara's record at this year's RWC.

The former Leinster and Ireland outhalf's influence is sure to be missed, and Ireland will feel the effects of the 38-year-old's non-existent leadership in 2024.

However, Lowe, who was selected as part of Andy Farrell's 34-player panel this week, believes that Ireland will head into a new era and will do their best to get over the departure of one of their best players.

"It’s weird; it’s like you get divorced or something," said Lowe this week. "He’s there, but he’s not there. It’s sad, man, because obviously a huge chunk of his life has been here, helping the boys and driving standards, expecting the best of you day-in, day-out. So it’s weird not to have him here.

“But the sun keeps on coming up, and people jump into different roles in the environment. I don’t think we have missed a beat since he has been gone, so yeah, it’s been good.”

Sexton's departure won't be the only change for Ireland heading into the 2024 Six Nations. Leinster attack coach Andrew Goodman has also joined the team and will take over from Mike Catt on a full-time basis in the summer.

Lowe, who knows Goodman well, believes that Goodman's inclusion in the Irish camp can only be seen as a good thing for the Irish team going forward.

Johnny Sexton of Ireland looks on during the Rugby World Cup France 2023 Quarter Final match between Ireland and New Zealand at Stade de France on October 14, 2023 in Paris, France. (Photo by Aurelien Meunier/Getty Images)

“Catty has been phenomenal ever since I went into that Irish camp," said Lowe. “Bit of a change of guard; I don’t actually know what he’s up to after it, but on Goody, he is from my hometown back in Nelson. He was the captain of Tasman when I was coming through, so he was always a bit of a legend in those parts.

“He was my PE teacher at Nelson College, and his father was my rugby manager for years. He is a legend of a bloke. I’m absolutely stoked to have seen him come to Leinster and thrive, and then for the Irish boys to see that and for him to get the nod of approval is awesome.

“I wouldn’t say that he is following me around, but he is! Nah, he’s great, and it’s great to see.”

Ireland is the current Six Nations and Grand Slam champions and will head to France in their opening game on February 2. This game kicks off at 8 p.m. Irish time. France will host defending champions Ireland at the Orange Velodrome in Marseille, as Stade de France is unavailable due to preparations for the Paris 2024 Olympics.

Ireland will then play consecutive home matches at Aviva Stadium in Rounds 2 and 3. Italy will visit Dublin on Sunday, February 11, which kicks off at 3 p.m., followed by a Wales clash on Saturday, February 24, which kicks off at 2.15 p.m.

In Round 4, Ireland will head to Twickenham to take on England on Saturday, March 9 (this kicks off at 4.45 p.m.). The Championship finale will see Ireland host Scotland at Aviva Stadium on Super Saturday, March 16 (this kicks off at 4.45 p.m.).

All three of Ireland’s home matches at Aviva Stadium are sold out, with RTÉ and Virgin Media providing free-to-air coverage of the Guinness Men’s Six Nations in the Republic of Ireland and BBC and ITV broadcasting in the United Kingdom.

Ireland Six Nations campaign