Bernard Jackman believes Johnny Sexton's new role in the Ireland coaching set-up is an "inspired" move by Andy Farrell and David Humphreys.
It’s believed the former Ireland captain will link up with the Ireland squad in an advisory capacity for next month’s Autumn Nations Series, working part-time with out-halves Jack Crowley, Ciarán Frawley and Sam Prendergast, who were all named in yesterday's 35-man squad.
Munster’s Crowley has become first choice at ten since Sexton’s retirement 12 months ago, starting every game in 2024.
However, the 24-year-old is still relatively inexperienced at Test level, with just 16 caps to his name, while Frawley is just six caps into his international career, while 21-year-old Prendergast is yet to make his debut.
And with such an inexperienced trio to choose from in the position, Jackman believes having Sexton’s guidance in the background could prove to be a masterstroke.
"It’s only the likes of Johnny who really can understand what a young 10 is going through and how hard it is to make the right decisions, whether that’s kicking game or running game or goalkicking, whether it’s how to speak to the group, or how to manage breaks in play. There’s so much there.
"I’d say he’s watched more rugby now than he did when he played. When he played he was very focused on the opponent, and he’s had a chance to look at games from a different angle.
"If these lads all had 70 or 80 caps it wouldn’t be as important but effectively we have a chance here with three incredibly talented bright prospects, Jack obviously being the most far along, but still far from a seasoned campaigner, that could benefit from his expertise."
Since retiring from rugby after last year’s World Cup, Sexton has started working for the packaging company Ardagh, and recently spoke of how he wasn’t keen on a career in coaching.
And Jackman believes Farrell will be able to get a lot of value from his former captain, even in a part-time role.
"The ability to be part-time, working with those young 10s is something that interests him and he sees he can add value. If Johnny couldn't add value, he wouldn't do it.
"It’s inspired by Humphreys and by Farrell. Sometimes, coaches or heads of performance are afraid of the negative aspects or potential of only having someone part-time, and they shut it off because 'it’s a professional environment and everyone needs to be full-time’.
"If you have someone who wants to add value and can work around the other commitments [it’s a good thing].
"I’m fascinated to see just how those lads develop under him, and it’s great for Johnny to be able to do it on a part-time basis, and get a chance to give something back, but still continue his career," he added.
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