Stuart McCloskey appeared on the For Love of Rugby podcast, discussing topics like Ulster’s recent improvement and his incredible Six Nations.
This naturally led onto a discussion about the coaching of Jonny Sexton and the recent competition for the number 10 jersey for Ireland.
Sexton as an Ireland coach
Jonny Sexton is one of Ireland’s greatest ever players. He played 118 tests for Ireland and shortly after his retirement he was brought in by Andy Farrell to the Ireland and Lions coaching team. Sexton not only brought a wealth of experience to his coaching role but also a level of skill that not many can match.
McCloskey commented on his former teammate as a coach saying, ““His knowledge of the game, even when he was playing, was unreal”
He also went on to add that Sexton had mellowed a lot compared to when he was a player and that his style as a leader was to get the best out of his teammates, using the authority that he had earned through his years of experience.
Ireland Rugby’s 10 situation
The current Ireland out-half situation is complicated and falls into a Leinster vs Munster rivalry. At the beginning of the Six Nations, Sam Prendergast was the chosen option, starting the first two games. Prendergast struggled defensively and didn’t get his attacking style into full flow. In these games, Jack Crowley performed well off the bench. Heading to Allianz Twickenham, Farrell backed Crowley and hasn’t looked back since. Prendergast didn’t even make the bench as the coach opted for Ciaran Frawley as a utility back option on the bench.
Speaking on the competition between the two and how it was handled in camp, McCloskey commented, “It seems like it’s been good competition. All the 10s seem to be getting on. He (Sexton) must be doing a good job with what he is saying to them.”
When asking if jokes are made in camp he added, “They both take it very well. If they’re not playing, they’ll take the slagging and they can both see the funny side of things.”
