Sexton pens IRFU extension until 2021

Johnny Sexton has agreed a three-year contract extension with the Irish Rugby Union (IRFU) that will see him remain with Leinster and Ireland until 2021.

Sexton has played a pivotal role in helping Ireland climb to second in the world rankings in 2018, Joe Schmidt's side claiming a Six Nations Grand Slam before finishing the year with a victory over New Zealand in Dublin.

The fly-half's contribution was recognised by World Rugby when he was named World Player of the Year last month.

Leinster have also benefited from Sexton's qualities, the 33-year-old having kicked nine points to help the province secure a fourth European Champions Cup title in May.

He will remain tied to Leinster and Ireland for another three years, and he is relishing what lies ahead – particularly with the World Cup in 2019.

"I am delighted to sign a new IRFU contract to continue to play for Leinster and Ireland," said Sexton.

Breaking: @JohnnySexton signs contract extension to 2021. "I am delighted to sign a new IRFU contract to continue to play for @leinsterrugby and @IrishRugby It is where I have always wanted to play so I am delighted to extend" #shouldertoshoulder #TeamOfUs #Ireland #Sexton pic.twitter.com/1NM6baccOT

— Irish Rugby (@IrishRugby) December 11, 2018

"It is where I have always wanted to play so I am delighted to extend. We get looked after extremely well here and it is an exciting time for Irish rugby.

"I am looking forward to hopefully being a part of that over the next few years."

IRFU performance director David Nucifora added: "Johnny's hunger and drive mark him out as a truly world class competitor.

CONFIRMED! @JohnnySexton puts to and has signed with @IrishRugby and Leinster to the end of the 2020/21 season! #FromTheGroundUp pic.twitter.com/hf7optouHN

— Leinster Rugby (@leinsterrugby) December 11, 2018

"He sets a performance benchmark for those around him and is investing in the development of young out-halves in the Ireland squad while also seeking improvement in his own performance.

"He is a model professional and has been at the centre of a lot of the success enjoyed by Irish Rugby over the past few years."