Ireland flyhalf Johnny Sexton is hopeful of earning selection for the British & Irish Lions squad for their 2021 tour of South Africa.

Sexton, who turns 35 next month, played for the Lions on their two previous tours in Australia (2013) and New Zealand (2017) and he is hoping to make it three tours in a row next year.

Sexton joined All Black great Dan Carter for a discussion on the ‘Kickin’ It’ series on Instagram, where the pair spoke about a wide-ranging set of topics including his ambition to front the Boks in 2021.

‘I’d be lying if I said it wasn’t something I haven’t thought a hell of a lot about,’ Sexton said.

‘It’s the pinnacle of any northern-hemisphere player’s career, and to do it three times would be incredibly special. It would be a dream to do it again.

‘But a lot needs to happen for that to happen. I need to play well for Leinster, I need to play well for Ireland, and then hopefully put my name on the shop window for that tour.’

Photo: Billy Stickland/INPHO