Some have said that they will not believe the impending retirement of Johnny Sexton until they see it in the flesh, and Leo Cullen's latest comments on the issue will have only strengthened those views.
Speaking ahead of Leinster's Champions Cup clash with Ulster this evening, the province's head coach addressed Sexton's current injury - which will more than likely see him miss the rest of the season - and the possibility of the outhalf staying for another year.
"Like could something miraculously happen? I don't know," Cullen said about Sexton's injury which will keep him out for up to 12 weeks.
It's not an exact science but that is the indication I'm getting, it will be around that sort of time frame.
Obviously that would rule him out when there are only nine weeks left in the season.
Leo Cullen Discusses Johnny Sexton Retirement
15 March 2023; Jonathan Sexton, left, with Head coach Andy Farrell, right, and Leinster head coach Leo Cullen during Ireland rugby squad training at the IRFU High Performance Centre at the Sport Ireland Campus in Dublin. Photo by David Fitzgerald/Sportsfile
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"We did laugh about it already. We have already joked about it," added Cullen when asked whether he has spoken to Sexton about his retirement.
"Well, not joked about it, but had a conversation about it.
“So maybe, yeah...never say never. Like it is not an exact science, any of this stuff, is it?
"There are so many other things on my mind at the moment that is has not really featured at all."
The fact that Sexton will be out for the rest of Leinster season may increase the chances of him changing his mind on retirement, given the lack of a proper send-off and unfinished business, and see him make a Tom Bradylike u-turn.
SEE ALSO: Stephen Ferris On Why Sexton Injury Has Advantages For Ireland And Ross Byrne
