Perfect Six Nations send-off for Sexton

JOHNNY SEXTON admitted it was a ‘dream’ bowing out of Six Nations rugby with a Grand Slam, while England skipper Owen Farrell was left to lament the ‘harsh’ red card that turned the tide Ireland’s way in Dublin.

Sexton will now hope to cap a stunning career by going on to lead Ireland to World Cup glory in France in the autumn, with their first match against Romania on September 9.

He said: ‘It doesn’t feel like the end. There is plenty left in this team. But you could not make this up, it is like living in a dream. We did not play our best but what a team. What a group of coaches.

‘We did nothing that they told us, in fact the exact opposite. England are a top-class team. To get a win on St Patrick’s weekend is unbelievable.

‘It is the best tournament to play in, the best country to play for. We are so proud to be Irish.’

Ireland were 10-6 ahead just before half time when England full-back Freddie Steward was controversially sent off for a shoulder into the head of Hugo Keenan. ‘It seemed harsh to me,’ said Farrell. ‘It’s not for me to have an opinion on.’

Steward’s exit undoubtedly changed the momentum of the match, with Ireland running in three second-half tries to earn a bonus-point win and a fourth Grand Slam.

‘We showed a tremendous amount of fight,’ added Farrell. ‘We probably gave too many penalties away in the first half which allowed Ireland in.

‘But when we did get down there we came away with some points. We worked hard for each other and stuck at it. We looked like we caused them problems at some points.’

While it was a disappointing end to a disappointing few weeks for Farrell, his father, Andy, was celebrating guiding Ireland to another famous triumph.

‘It means so much to everyone here — to be able on a St Patrick’s weekend to win a Grand Slam is always going to be special,’ said the Ireland head coach.

‘It was a proper old-fashioned Test match.

‘We were disappointed with some aspects of our game but we have a bonus-point win. That’s where we’re at.’

It was also the perfect Six Nations send-off for 37-year-old fly-half Sexton, who kicked nine points to overhaul compatriot Ronan O’Gara as the competition’s leading points scorer.

‘It’s unbelievable for him to have this moment and lift the trophy,’ said Farrell.

‘He wanted to lift it with someone else and I said he mustn’t. He deserves it. What a way for him to go out of the Six Nations.’