Ireland and Ulster out half Paddy Jackson has spoken warmly about his relationship with Leinster counterpart and rival for the Ireland No 10 shirt Jonathan Sexton.
At one time, the latter famously had a fierce rivalry with Munster legend Ronan O'Gara for the Ireland starting place at out half but Jackson told Off The Ball that he and Sexton have developed a good relationship off the field.
"It's really good. We'll be coming here, we'll be kicking every Wednesday and then we've started going for sushi afterwards, so we get on pretty well," said Jackson at Landsdowne Rugby Club.
"I'm a bit more of a joker but I think I get on really well with him. He's definitely a bit of craic. I just think he's probably a bit more reserved and he obviously likes to keep his head down. Obviously he's pretty famous and can't go too many places without being recognised. But he's a lovely guy."
We're live from Lansdowne Rugby Club this evening with @paddyjackson10 pic.twitter.com/B7ENsMeuuH
— Off The Ball (@offtheball) May 19, 2017
Jackson also spoke highly of outgoing Ulster scrum half Ruan Pienaar and how he has been influenced by the South African.
"People always ask me how good is it playing with him and is he always talking to you, is he giving you advice. But to be honest, he kind of just leads by example and that's the sign of a great player. He's quiet but he bosses the forwards around and he lets me get on with my game," said Jackson.
"It's great to have played with him but it's a new challenge not having him at the club next year and it's a great opportunity for a few of the lads to come through and [John] Cooney coming over. I like to look at the positive side of things and look forward to that challenge."
