Johnny Sexton, the former Ireland rugby captain, is putting past tensions with Scotland's Finn Russell behind him. Despite publicly criticizing Russell after being left out of the 2021 British & Irish Lions squad, Sexton now says the drama was overblown and insists he’s ready to support Russell as they potentially team up again.

Editor’s Note: Rugby fans love a good rivalry, but Sexton’s comments suggest there’s no real bad blood—just competitive spirits clashing. With both players likely to feature in high-stakes matches, their dynamic could impact team cohesion, especially if they end up playing together. It’s a reminder that even top athletes move past disagreements when there’s a bigger goal at stake.

Johnny Sexton, now an assistant coach for the British & Irish Lions, has put past tensions with Finn Russell behind him, emphasizing he’s ready to support the Scottish fly-half. The two had a well-publicized rift after Sexton was left out of the 2021 Lions squad in favor of Russell, but they’ve since reconciled. Sexton downplayed the drama, calling it "blown out of proportion," and is focused on teamwork ahead of the upcoming tour.

Editor’s Note: In elite sports, egos and past conflicts can overshadow team dynamics—but this story shows how pros move forward. Sexton’s willingness to bury the hatchet matters because the Lions’ success hinges on unity, especially with Russell likely playing a key role. It’s a reminder that even high-profile spats don’t have to derail collaboration when there’s a bigger goal at stake.