Johnny Sexton, widely regarded as arguably Ireland's greatest rugby player, has swapped the pitch for the boardroom as Chief of Staff at Ardagh Group, a global packaging company.
The former fly-half enjoyed a glittering career, winning 118 caps for Ireland, five Six Nations titles and three Grand Slams.
He was also named World Rugby Player of the Year and helped Leinster secure four European Rugby Champions Cups.
Rather than pursuing punditry or immediate coaching, Sexton chose a different path after retiring following the 2023 Rugby World Cup.
Johnny Sexton is now Chief of Staff at Ardagh Group, a global packaging company
PA
"I've got a full-time job," Sexton told talkSPORT Breakfast show in October 2024. "We're rugby players. We're not like you [ex-footballers], get to put our feet up."
According to his LinkedIn profile, Sexton began part-time work with Ardagh Group in April 2021 whilst still playing.
He has since increased his responsibilities after retirement, working on the commercial side of the business.
"It's been eye-opening. A lot of learning, a massive transition. But I'm enjoying it as well," he said.
"It's very tough, isn't it?. I've heard the phrase, 'sports people die twice', once when their career finishes and then obviously when it comes to the end."
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The 39-year-old described the initial period as "surreal" and "tough".
"Those two-and-a-half months were probably the toughest because you have no structure to your life, no routine, you don't really know what to do with yourself. You can only play so much golf.
"I have a routine. 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."
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Johnny Sexton has admitted he has found life tough after retirement
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He has joined a seven-a-side football team, playing weekly matches followed by socialising.
"That's special because you're a part of a team again. You find ways to adapt and become happy in what you're doing."
Despite his corporate career, Sexton hasn't completely left rugby behind. He has joined Andy Farrell's coaching team for the British and Irish Lions' 2025 tour to Australia.
The appointment came after a light-hearted exchange with Farrell. "When Andy got the job as Lions coach, I texted him and said, 'If I play for my club, would you consider me?' He just wrote back, 'No.'"
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Johnny Sexton is arguably Ireland's greatest ever player
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This coaching role represents Sexton's "one last hurrah" in rugby.
Sexton played on two Lions tours but missing the 2021 South Africa tour still pains him.
"It kills me," he told The Times. "I got my Lions jerseys framed from Australia and then New Zealand. There was a space left for the South Africa one and it didn't happen."
He also expressed admiration for Owen Farrell, stating: "If Owen Farrell were Irish, he'd be considered the greatest player that we've had."
