Goodman praises Sexton role in Ireland's England prep

Men's Six Nations: Ireland v England

Venue: Aviva Stadium Date: Saturday, 1 February Kick-off: 16:45 GMT

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Ireland attack coach Andrew Goodman has praised former captain Johnny Sexton's role in preparing the team's fly-halves for Saturday's Six Nations opener with England.

Sexton retired after the 2023 World Cup but is helping to shape the next generation after starting a part-time coaching role with the squad in November.

Part of the five-time Six Nations winner's remit has been working closely with Sam Prendergast and Jack Crowley, between whom there is intense competition for the 10 jersey ahead of Ireland's title defence.

"He's doing the coaching with the kicking and mental skills," said Goodman, who joined Ireland's coaching ticket last year, replacing Mike Catt.

"Who could you ask for better [as a mentor] for a young Irish 10 to have Johnny Sexton around, watching training with you and giving you live feedback and everything else."

Sexton was part of Ireland's pre-tournament training camp in Portugal, and while imparting his wisdom on the fly-halves has been a key responsibility, Goodman says he has also been assisting the coaches and Caelan Doris, who replaced Peter O'Mahony as captain in November.

"For us coaches, he's got such a great eye on the game," added Goodman, who worked with Sexton at Leinster.

"Personally, myself, I run things past him and I love him because he's honest and he'll provide his own opinion on things and that always leads to discussion and debate and then ultimately you get a really good spot.

"I'm using him a lot, he's got a great eye for the game and hopefully he can continue in that role for as long as possible."

With Ciaran Frawley also part of the squad, the fly-half selection is one of the most intriguing decisions for interim head coach Simon Easterby ahead of his first team announcement on Thursday.

While Crowley quickly established himself as first-choice following Sexton's retirement, Prendergast's emergence in the autumn Tests - he started the last two - has created a healthy rivalry between the pair.

"There's definitely a rivalry," said Goodman.

"You've got to get the balance right of coming in and competing, but ultimately when the team is named, one is going to be in the team, one is on the bench and one is not going to be playing.

"So when you get to that stage you've got to help those guys perform as best you can. That's what being a great team member is about and it's something I've learned a lot about since coming into this Irish environment."