Johnny Sexton Returns to GIO Stadium—This Time With a New Mission
There’s a certain poetic symmetry in Johnny Sexton’s return to GIO Stadium in Canberra, a dozen years after the British & Irish Lions last set foot there. Back then, Sexton was a player—now he’s a coach. And while he may not be taking to the pitch himself, his presence is just as powerful. The Lions are back, the stakes are high, and the lessons of the past are front and centre.
Sexton remembers that cold night in 2013 vividly. The Lions suffered their first loss to an Australian provincial side in 40 years—a gutting defeat, even if it wasn’t a Test match. He recalls the disruption of integrating new players, the effort that didn’t quite translate into execution. "It was a tough game," he admits. “We had a lot of new guys. There wasn’t a lack of effort, just no performance that deserved the win.” And as the Lions prepare to face the Brumbies again, it’s clear Sexton hasn’t forgotten that sting.
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Now overseeing the Lions’ kickers—Finn Russell, Marcus Smith, Fin Smith, Blair Kinghorn, Owen Farrell, and Jamison Gibson-Park—Sexton is no longer on the pitch, but very much in the heart of it all. "Of course I miss playing," he says with a smile. “I think I’ll miss it until the day I die. But playing ends eventually. Now, I’m here to help the next generation.”
His transition to coaching is thoughtful and intentional. He’s taken a step back, not because he had to, but because he understands the bigger picture. “With Ireland, my role might evolve. But here, it’s about supporting these lads—whether it’s the kickers or if Maro Itoje wants input on something. He hasn’t asked about dealing with refs yet,” he jokes, referencing his own fiery past with officials.
The selection of Owen Farrell has added another layer of intrigue. Having trained with fire and precision straight off the plane, Farrell is already influencing the team, particularly the number 10s. Sexton sees no issue with morale—only opportunity. “He’s a world-class player. You don’t just leave someone like that behind. He brings leadership, clarity, and presence.”
And as Sexton watches from the stands this time, wrapped up against the Canberra chill, there’s a sense that he’s embracing this new chapter with open arms—not just coaching, but mentoring, shaping, and ensuring that the jersey continues to mean everything. This game may not be a Test, but for Sexton, and for all involved, it still matters deeply.
Some games you play. Others you guide. Either way, they leave a mark.
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