Following Sexton’s retirement, Jack Crowley was given the starting fly-half jersey for this year’s Six Nations, while Leinster pair Ciaran Frawley and Sam Prendergast are also in the squad for the November Tests against New Zealand, Argentina, Fiji and Australia.

As a master of the out-half craft, Sexton will naturally work with the current 10s but Easterby says Ireland will “lean on him for other things” as well.

“I think Johnny obviously having retired recently still has his finger on the pulse in terms of playing in that position in particular, playing in the 10 role,” added Easterby, who will take over as Ireland interim coach after the November series while Farrell is focused on leading the British and Irish Lions.

“[It is] understanding what we do as a team and trying to impart some of that experience that he’s had across the last few years and the way we play the game.

” And I know Jack Crowley’s obviously had time with us and so has Ciaran, Sam less so, but I think all those guys are like sponges.

“They want to learn and they want to understand, they want to get know-how and then go out and try and put those things into practice. Johnny will just be able to give them a bit of guidance at times.”