Sexton said he and Russell shared a “handshake” and a “brief chat” in Lions camp before the Bath out-half returned to his club for what Sexton called an “outstanding” performance in last week’s Premiership final victory over Leicester.
“He was racing off obviously because those guys were in finals, they didn’t stay around too long, they came in, got their kit, did a bit of media and were gone,” added the former Ireland captain.
“I’m looking forward to catching up with him later. What the Lions demands of you is that if there is a rivalry, which there’s not, you leave it at the door. I’m here to help him now, I’m, here to give him experiences, to answer questions, I’m not here to force myself or tell him what to do, it’s not that relationship. I’m here to help.”
Sexton also believes his coaching inexperience will not hinder him given the wisdom he gained during the highs and lows of a 17-year professional career.
“I’m an inexperienced coach but I probably have seen it all in terms of rugby. I’ve been bad, I’ve been dropped, I’ve been not picked, I’ve been injured, my career has been like this.
“Being here to help those guys when they have a tough game, being able to help them out and pick them up is something I’m quite passionate about and here to help.”
