Johnny Sexton, the sidelined captain of Ireland’s rugby team, made a post-match appearance on the field following the European Champions Cup loss of Leinster to La Rochelle in Dublin.
Sexton, aged 38, is set to find out the result of a disciplinary hearing on Thursday, a decision which may have implications for his final World Cup campaign.
A complaint was lodged against the fly-half, citing misconduct in his interactions with match officials after Leinster’s Champions Cup final defeat by La Rochelle on 20 May. Although Sexton missed the final due to injury, he made his way onto the pitch post-match.
Sexton has plans to retire following the upcoming World Cup in France.
Following a “thorough fact-finding and careful review” of Sexton’s actions, the European Professional Club Rugby (EPCR), organizer of the Champions Cup, has lodged misconduct complaints against both Sexton and Leinster, accusing Leinster of failing to adequately manage their player.
The final match in Dublin saw Leinster suffer a narrow loss of 27-26, and despite being sidelined with a groin injury, Sexton engaged in a verbal altercation with the South African referee, Jaco Peyper, and other match officials.
Sexton will participate in an independent disciplinary panel hearing chaired by Christopher Quinlan KC via video conference call on Thursday.
Ireland’s initial World Cup warm-up match is slated against Italy on 5 August, with subsequent games against England and Samoa.
The first match of their World Cup campaign is on 9 September against Romania in Bordeaux. Any potential suspension for Sexton could jeopardize his participation in either the preparatory matches or the tournament itself.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Johnny Sexton disciplinary hearing
What incident led to a disciplinary hearing for Johnny Sexton?
Johnny Sexton faced a misconduct complaint due to his behaviour towards match officials following Leinster’s Champions Cup final defeat by La Rochelle on 20 May, even though he didn’t play the match due to injury.
Who lodged the misconduct complaint against Johnny Sexton and Leinster?
The misconduct complaint against Johnny Sexton and Leinster was lodged by the European Professional Club Rugby (EPCR), the organizer of the Champions Cup.
What may be the potential impact of the disciplinary hearing for Johnny Sexton?
Depending on the outcome of the disciplinary hearing, Johnny Sexton may face a suspension that could affect his availability for either the warm-up matches for the World Cup or the tournament itself.
When is Johnny Sexton’s disciplinary hearing?
Johnny Sexton’s disciplinary hearing is scheduled for Thursday, and he will participate via a video conference call.
What are Johnny Sexton’s retirement plans?
Johnny Sexton plans to retire after his final World Cup campaign in France.
When and against whom is Ireland’s first World Cup warm-up match?
Ireland’s first World Cup warm-up match is against Italy on 5 August.
When and where is Ireland’s first World Cup game?
Ireland’s first game in the World Cup will be on 9 September against Romania in Bordeaux.
More about Johnny Sexton disciplinary hearing
- Johnny Sexton’s Rugby Career
- European Professional Club Rugby (EPCR)
- Rugby World Cup
- Disciplinary procedures in rugby
5 comments
Leinster has to take some blame too, they need to keep their players in check, esp in high stress situations
fingers crossed for thursday… no matter what happens, Johnny’s still one of the greats!!
Ah man, Sexton’s in hot water! Hope it doesnt ruin his final World Cup run…big blow for Ireland if it does!
what happened to respect for officials? Sure, it was a tough loss, but that’s no reason to get all heated. need more sportsmanship in the game
This whole things a mess, Johnny’s been a legend for us. He’s 38 and still fighting. Just hope this doesnt end his career in a bad way 🙁