This is the news we were all expecting...
Ireland out half Jonny Sexton has confirmed that we will leave Racing Metro at the end of the season and return home to Leinster. He will join at the start of next season and has signed a four-year deal with the province that will run until November '19.
Speaking this afternoon, Sexton said.
"I made a choice for my family and for my international career, I miss my family in Ireland. "I have a very good relationship with everyone here, it was a very hard decision to make, I have never spoken with any other club (in France) than Racing.
"Now, I do not want to talk about the contract, I want to focus only on Racing. I do not regret having come to France and Racing, it was an amazing experience.
"I am pleased to be re-joining Leinster, the club where I started my professional career. I grew up playing my rugby in Leinster always wanting to pull on the blue jersey so I am delighted to be able to return to play my club rugby in Ireland."
IRFU CEO, Philip Browne, said, "Jonathan is one the best out-halves in world rugby and the IRFU are delighted that he will be playing his rugby in Ireland. Irish rugby will benefit hugely from having a player of his calibre playing full-time in Ireland."
Racing Métro president Jacky Lorenzetti says they would have liked the Irishman to stay, "It's a disappointment, but we accept it."
