Johnny Sexton admits he'll probably never get over the disappointment of not being picked for the Lions' tour of South Africa this summer.

The Ireland and Leinster captain had been the starting Test out-half for the tourists in 2013 and 2017 but was left out by Warren Gatland for the series with the Springboks.

"I don't think I'll ever get over it, but I've come to terms with it," Sexton said at a press event today in his role as an ambassador for Mace.

"I accepted it a long time ago that it wasn't going to be and I've had a good pre-season so far with Leinster and looking forward to getting the season started next week."

Sexton, who missed the end of last season due to concussion, is hoping to now channel his disappointment into starting the new campaign strongly.

"Obviously when you don't get picked it's a massive disappointment but, look, they went a certain way and I wasn't a part of their plans and it was tough but that's life and I've just got to try and bounce back now.

"I've had lots of setbacks in my career and now it's up to me to bounce back this season."

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