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Alex Dunne

Leinster family rivalry is on as Johnny Sexton's brother Jerry Sexton confirms move to PRO14 South African side Southern Kings

A PRO14 meeting with the Southern Kings has been used as a rotation exercise for Leinster largely over the past two seasons.

But there might be one star looking to get involved next year, thanks to a very special link with their South African rivals.

Johnny Sexton is that man, and his brother Jerry has confirmed a move to the Kings from English Championship club Jersey Reds.

The younger Sexton, 26, has started 43 games and scored eight tries for the Reds and captained the side, having moved over from London Irish.

He did make the Ireland under-20 side, but rarely came within a sniff of the heights of his brother thus far.

The second row's nomadic career has also seen him take in a spell at Exeter and across the water in France with Pro D2 side Auch, while reigning World Player of the Year Johnny has been starring for Leinster and Ireland.

The Kings have struggled since joining the European competition, but a recent change in ownership has seen them step up their ambition in the player market as they aim to get off the bottom of the PRO14 table next season.

“This is an exciting period in my career,” Sexton said.

“I have been following the Isuzu Southern Kings, particularly in the Guinness PRO14, and I am looking forward to be part of the team, the culture and the exciting new era that lies ahead for the franchise.

“I am grateful for the years spent at Jersey Reds and the role the club played in the growth of my career. I look forward to further growth and making a positive contribution at the Isuzu Southern Kings.”

Leinster's Ross Byrne: 'I'd played really big European games before, so I didn't really see it too differently'

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