Ireland head coach Andy Farrell believes the appetite of Johnny Sexton “is as strong as ever” after the fit-again fly-half hinted he may retire before the next World Cup. Johnny Sexton is back to captain @IrishRugby as Andy Farrell makes seven changes for the trip to Rome What do you make of that team #GuinnessSixNations fans? That stance has since changed, with Ireland vice-captain James Ryan and fellow lock Iain Henderson each agreeing new deals this month. Farrell has named a revamped front row of Dave Kilcoyne, Ronan Kelleher and Tadhg Furlong for the trip to Rome, with Sexton, Ryan, flanker Will Connors and wing Jordan Larmour also returning. Victory for Ireland this weekend would inflict a 30th successive Six Nations defeat on Italy.

Source: Express February 25, 2021 13:52 UTC