Sexton lauded as Ireland secure Grand Slam glory

Coach Andy Farrell has hailed Johnny Sexton as the greatest rugby player in Ireland’s history as the pair celebrated a stunning Six Nations Grand Slam triumph following a tense 29-16 bonus-point victory over 14-man England.

Captain Sexton helped his country clinch a first championship clean sweep in Dublin – and fourth in total – on the occasion of his final outing in the tournament to reignite the St Patrick’s weekend party.

The 37-year-old, who is due to retire following the autumn World Cup in France, kicked nine points to move clear of Ronan O’gara as the Six Nations’ all-time leading scorer with a total of 566.

Head coach Farrell was ‘‘immensely proud’’ of the achievement of his entire squad and singled out influential skipper Sexton for special praise.

‘‘He’s been saying all week this is what dreams are made of,’’ said Farrell. ‘‘It doesn’t come around that often.

‘‘And it’s unbelievably fitting that in my opinion the best player ever to play for Ireland is able to sign off on a Grand Slam, on St Patrick’s Day, in front of his own crowd.’’

Ireland’s previous Grand Slams – in 1948, 2009 and 2018 – had been clinched in Belfast, Cardiff and London respectively.

Two tries from Dan Sheehan and scores from Robbie Henshaw and Rob Herring took the hosts over the line at a raucous Aviva Stadium.

England led for most of the first half thanks to two Owen Farrell penalties but had Freddie Steward sent off for an arm into the head of Hugo Keenan just before the break and, despite a dogged display, were unable to spoil the party.

‘‘I’m just elated for the boys just to get it over the line because it meant so much to them, especially being here at home, being only the fourth one in Irish history. The first one at home,’’ said Farrell.

‘‘Grand Slams are not just won on nights like this, they’re won over the time we’ve been together. We’ve been building to this and I’m just glad we’ve got the job done.’’

Sexton was afforded a standing ovation as he limped from the field late on following a bruising encounter.

‘‘We’ve won a Grand Slam, it’s pinch yourself stuff,’’ said the first five-eighth, who claimed his second career Grand Slam but first as skipper.

❏ Defending champions France completed their Six Nations campaign by scoring five tries in an entertaining 41-28 win against Wales.

Ireland beat France 32-19 last month – a result that ended France’s 14-game winning streak and also shifted the momentum Ireland’s way.

So there was no Grand Slam repeat for France, but a party atmosphere still prevailed at Stade de France.

❏ Scotland can crank up their World Cup preparations in good stead after edging Italy 26-14 to complete an uplifting Six Nations campaign yesterday.

The Scots rebounded from consecutive losses to Ireland and France with a third win to prove they’re the best of the rest in the tournament.

They placed third for only the second time in a decade.