Johnny Sexton says he doesn’t think he’ll ever get over being left out of this summer’s British and Irish Lions tour of South Africa.
The 36-year-old Ireland captain missed out on selection as Dan Biggar, Owen Farrell and Finn Russell were preferred as the fly-half options, with Marcus Smith then being called out as additional cover.
Sexton had been a starting Test 10 on the two previous Lions trips, but this time didn’t make the cut at all, with head coach Warren Gatland citing his "durability" as an issue amid concerns over whether he would get through "a tough, physical tour".
Sexton hasn’t played competitive rugby since coming off with a head injury during Leinster’s Champions Cup quarter-final against Exeter on April 10, but he was fit for selection ahead of the tour to South Africa, so his omission came as a body blow.
"The emotions have obviously changed a little bit," he told the Irish Independent.
"When you don’t get picked, it’s a massive disappointment.
"But, look, they went a certain way and I wasn’t a part of their plans. It was tough but that’s life. I’ve had lots of setbacks in my career and now it’s up to me to bounce back this season.
"Not that I’m over it. I don’t think I’ll ever get over it, but I’ve come to terms with it. I accepted it a long time ago that it wasn’t going to be.
"I’ve had a good pre-season with Leinster and I’m looking forward to getting started."
But he added: "Never once when I didn’t get picked did I say, 'at least I’ll be all good for next season,' that’s not how I think.
"It was a huge disappointment. The Lions was in the forefront of my thoughts for the last couple of years, but that’s life and now it’s a case of trying to attack this season.
"I’ll hopefully be ready to go and have a good start to this season and be ready to put myself forward for Irish selection."
Sexton has 99 Ireland caps to his name, in addition to six Lions Tests, so has a major landmark just around the corner.
"It’s a huge year with some big November fixtures, Six Nations and then a tour to New Zealand, with all the Leinster stuff as well," he said.
"You get energised by the start of a new season and this one is no different."
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