James McClean and Johnny Sexton exchange shirts in touching ...
THE emotional snap of the rugby legend and McClean was captured this morning ahead of the Wrexham player's final Rep of Ireland cap
JOHNNY Sexton and James McClean exchanged shirts as both athletes showed a touch of class to one another.
Sexton hung up the boots after Ireland's epic loss to New Zealand at the Rugby World Cup and the process to fill his boots has begun.
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Former Leinster ace Sexton earned 119 caps and amassed 1,108 points during a sensational career.
While Republic of Ireland footballer McClean is set to play his final game for his country later this evening in a friendly against New Zealand in Dublin.
The image was shared by FAI social media teams ahead of tonight's match at the Aviva Stadium.
The picture was also captioned by FAI social media staff.
It read: "A lovely moment this morning as recently retired Johnny Sexton swapped jerseys with James McClean ahead of his final Ireland appearance this evening."
Derry native McClean is set to end his international career that has spanned 11-years as he looks expected to earn his 103rd and final cap under Stephen Kenny.
Earlier this week, the 34-year-old Wrexham man believes he could play on in green, but decided that this is the time to exit the international stage.
He said: “It’s not because of my body, or I feel my ability has diminished. I still feel as fit as ever. I still believe I am the best person for the role. I have never doubted myself.
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“I played 46 games out of 46 in the Championship last season, 45 of them start.
“Ability-wise, I was second for full-backs in goals and assists, and for most successful tackles in the whole league.
“There's other factors. I have personal reasons and my own reasons for stepping away, I feel now is the right time to step aside.
“Let others come through, I've had my time, I have no regrets. For me now is the perfect time to step away, I have no regrets.
“I have no plans to hang up the boots any time soon, what I am doing now after this, I will savour Tuesday.
“We never had a summer off in a long time so I promised my wife and kids what we will book Florida, go away for a month and enjoy Disneyland.”
