Following Sexton’s retirement, Jack Crowley was handed 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 November’s Tests against New Zealand, Argentina, Fiji and Australia.

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

“I think Johnny, who retired recently, is still in tune in terms of playing in that particular position, playing the 10th role,” added Easterby, who will take over as coach by Ireland’s caretaker manager after the November series while Farrell is focused on managing the British and Irish Lions.

“(It’s) about understanding what we do as a team and trying to pass on some of that experience that he’s gained over the last few years and how we play the game.

“And I know Jack Crowley obviously spent time with us, as did Ciaran, Sam less so, but I think all those guys are like sponges.

“They want to learn and understand, they want to acquire know-how, and then try to put those things into practice. Johnny will sometimes be able to give them some advice.”