Brian O'Driscoll's verdict on Johnny Sexton missing the Women's Rugby World Cup
In April, Sexton agreed to come on board with the IRFU in a full-time coaching capacity from August 1 in an expanded role that would involve working with the national men's and women's teams up to senior level.
The Dubliner was part of Andy Farrell's British and Irish Lions backroom team for the successful Australia tour and it has been questioned why the former Leinster and Ireland great won't be in England with Scott Bemand's staff to pass on his expertise at the finals.
Ireland will get their bid underway in their first group stage game against Japan at Franklin's Gardens in Northampton on Sunday. "I think he's probably still finding his feet and trying to work out where he can add value," said Sexton's ex-colleague O'Driscoll. Brian O'Driscoll and Lynne Cantwell have teamed up to celebrate Defender as Principal Partner for the Women's Rugby World Cup 2025
"And the thing about him is his relationship with the coaching staff that we've seen. And so that is a huge component of his integration.
"Listen, if he doesn't have a relationship with Scott, you can't force that. You need that trust level. You do, and you can't have that thrust upon them. That dynamic is all important."
Bemand has said that ex-Ulster and Exeter No.10 Gareth Steenson will continue to take on the kicking coach duties for the finals, as Ireland chase a semi-final berth for the first time since 2013.
O'Driscoll added: "Johnny knows he's got a lot to learn from a coaching point of view, but I'm sure he's taken a huge amount on board from his experience over the last couple of months with the Lions and that he'll be better for it.
"And also he's finding out what type of coach he is going to be. I think he's probably got an idea, but it's about relationships, about connection, and that doesn't happen just overnight.
"I think it's probably easier with players that he knows rather than coming into the unknown."
Brian O'Driscoll and Lynne Cantwell have teamed up to celebrate Defender as Principal Partner for the Women's Rugby World Cup 2025
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