Johnny Sexton has confirmed that he will retire from rugby after the 2023 World Cup.
Sexton, 36, has signed a new 18-month IRFU deal that takes him up to the finals in France, which will be his fourth World Cup.
Sexton, 36, has 103 Ireland caps and remains Andy Farrell's first-choice no 10.
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Asked if he had made a decision on whether he could go on beyond the World Cup, when he will be 38, Sexton replied: "Yeah, finished, 2023 World Cup. I’m delighted to be able to say it.
"I've been beating around the bush for six months, always nervous talking about the World Cup when you weren’t guaranteed to be there.
"But I just want to make the most of this last 18 months of my career, and go out on the top.
"It’s up to me now to work hard and get the body and mind in the best shape possible, and attack the last 18 months."
The Dubliner added: "I’d say when I do retire, I’ll miss everything about the game.
"It’s an absolute dream to do what I’ve done and to do it for so long is incredible. I pinch myself every day.
"I’m just very grateful to keep it going. When I hang up the boots I’ll be like a lost puppy for the first while, but I’ll find something else to throw myself into, golf maybe?".
Sexton will captain Ireland in Saturday's Six Nations clash with England at Twickenham and he admitted he was delighted to get the final deal of his playing career sorted, reports the Irish Mirror.
“Very, very happy obviously," said the Leinster star.
"It was always my intention to try and stay at the top of my game to get myself to a World Cup and I’m very thankful and grateful that I’ve been afforded that opportunity to do it.
"Now it’s up to me to keep the body in good shape.
“I’m still very driven to get there and perform at the World Cup.
"That was one of the biggest factors for me. I spoke to a lot of guys who have finished in the game with big regrets over World Cup and I have a chance now to do that.
“It’s obviously a long time away and at this moment we’ve got a lot in front of us to focus on but it’s great to get it sorted.
"There were initial talks a few months ago about whether I had the desire to keep going and I said that at the moment I do.
"But again, it was never going to be done until this stage of the season, because you just don't know.
"Again, if you picked up an injury or it puts the majority of next season in doubt...
"You've got to wait I suppose, at this age. It's a lot different to if you were in your 20s or whatever. But look, it was fine.
"Like I said, we sat down last week and sorted it out in a couple of conversations.
"It's the balance, isn't it, between making sure you're looked after but also acknowledging that you're 36 and there's risk that goes with that.
"But at the same time, all you can do is go on what's in front of you. I hope to keep proving my worth and that's all I can say really.
"I'm just delighted to keep the dream going, as they say."
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