Johnny Sexton says his appetite for success hasn't waned after signing a one-year IRFU contract extension as expected.
Sexton, who turns 36 in July, caused a storm last week when he suggested that he might not play on until the end of the 2023 World Cup cycle, when he will be 38.
The 97-times capped Ireland out-half later clarified that comment by saying the end of next season is not his confirmed retirement date.
Today, after the new deal to keep him at Leinster was confirmed, the Ireland captain said: “I am really enjoying my rugby and I want to keep learning and adding value to both the Ireland and Leinster environments.
"I am enjoying the challenge of captaincy and the added responsibility that it brings.
"My appetite for success is the same as it ever was and the ambitions of both the Ireland and Leinster squads match my own.”
The 2018 World Player of the Year has been Ireland skipper since January of last year having previously won four Heineken Champions Cups with his province and hopes to be a three-time Lions tourist if the Test series against South Africa takes place this summer.
He has represented Leinster on 171 occasions scoring 1,505 points – the all-time record total for the province.
David Nucifora, IRFU Performance Director, commented: “Johnny continues to show he has the quality and appetite to compete at the highest levels.
"He is playing an important leadership role with the Ireland squad and his insight and experience continues to be of great value to the group."
