Ireland were forced to cancel their planned homecoming in Dublin on Sunday because of the adverse weather but it will take more than that to dampen the celebrations after securing only a third grand slam in their history. For the defence coach, Andy Farrell, the manner in which it was achieved makes it all the sweeter.
A third Six Nations title under Joe Schmidt had already been secured but a first Ireland away win against England since 2010 ensured the clean sweep on what was Farrell’s first return to Twickenham since he was shown the door following the 2015 World Cup. He was appointed Ireland’s defence coach in January 2016 but did not take up the job until June that year after a short‑term role with Munster.
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Johnny Sexton said: “The defence was incredible. We made Andy proud on the first day back in Twickenham for him. I’m sure he’s proud to be part of that effort. We saved our best performance for last, which is always very satisfying.”
Sexton also paid tribute to Schmidt, a notoriously meticulous coach with whom he enjoyed great success at Leinster – winning four trophies including two Heineken Cups – before the New Zealander was appointed to the national job in 2013. “He keeps you on your toes … how do I put this nicely? You know he is doing it for a reason – putting pressure on you in training, at meetings to make sure on Saturday every box is ticked, to make sure all the prep is done.
“He is an incredible coach, his record with Irish teams speaks for itself. He was three years with Leinster and got six finals. Five years with Ireland and we have won three championships, a grand slam – the World Cup obviously didn’t go to plan but there are lots of reasons why that didn’t go to plan. Hopefully we can have a good crack at the next one.”
Sexton was part of the wider Ireland squad in 2009 – the last time they won the grand slam – but has previously spoken about how he did not feel like a part of that success because he did not make his debut until November that year. “It’s a big high point in my career, a very strange feeling. These are the moments that make the bad times worthwhile and all the sacrifices worthwhile.”