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Johnny Sexton, the Leinster and Ireland rugby union player, may face disciplinary action from the European Professional Club Rugby (EPCR) for his conduct during and after the recent Champions Cup final. Sexton missed the match due to an injury, but got involved in a tunnel exchange between players from his team and La Rochelle at half-time, which apparently included Ronan O’Gara and Sean O’Brien. After the game, Sexton approached referee Jaco Peyper and had some thoughts to share, according to post-match footage. An EPCR investigation into the tunnel incident and other incidents, including Sexton’s post-match behavior, has resulted in a misconduct letter alleging three counts of misconduct against the out-half. Sexton is accused of mouthing obscenities to the three on-pitch officials, Peyper, Karl Dickson and Christophe Ridley, which was deemed intimidating by one official.
A misconduct letter is a standard part of the disciplinary process, and Sexton reportedly received it last week, which gives him and Leinster the opportunity to reply before the officials decide on the next step. It is unlikely that the tunnel incident will lead to severe sanctions, but Sexton could face a ban for approaching the officials after the final, which La Rochelle won 32-23 at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin, in May. Sebastien Piqueronies, a member of the Pau coaching staff, was recently banned for 10 weeks for grabbing Scottish referee Sam Grove-White during a Challenge Cup game, although Sexton is unlikely to receive a similar length of ban.
If Sexton receives a less severe ban, such as four or five weeks, the next consideration would be when it applies. Ireland has three World Cup warm-up matches scheduled for August, so Sexton could miss some of those. The EPCR’s decision could also affect Sexton’s participation in the World Cup itself, which starts in France in September 2023. Sexton is a key player for Ireland, having won 105 caps for his country, and he played a crucial role in the last World Cup in Japan in 2019, when Ireland lost in the quarter-finals to New Zealand.
Sexton’s potential absence would be a blow for new coach Andy Farrell, who succeeded Joe Schmidt after the 2019 World Cup. Farrell, a former rugby league player, has worked as a defense coach for England and Ireland, and he has to rebuild Ireland’s confidence and form after a disappointing 2021 Six Nations campaign, in which they finished third behind Wales and France. Ireland ended their campaign with a 32-18 victory over England at the Aviva Stadium, and Sexton scored a try, kicked two conversions, and inspired his team with his leadership and experience. However, Sexton’s injury record and age, he will turn 37 in July, raise questions about his longevity and fitness for the next World Cup.
Sexton’s possible ban also raises concerns about his temperament and attitude toward the officials, which could affect his image and reputation as a player and a leader. Sexton has a reputation for being passionate, intense, and vocal on the pitch, but he has also been known to clash with referees and opponents, sometimes resulting in yellow and red cards or injuries. Sexton’s behavior in the tunnel, where he reportedly confronted La Rochelle’s players and coaches, and his actions toward Peyper, could be interpreted as unacceptable or disrespectful by some fans, media, and officials. Sexton may have to learn to control his emotions and channel his energy in a positive way, especially if he wants to continue playing at the highest level and inspiring his teammates.
As the EPCR investigates Sexton’s misconduct, rugby fans and analysts will await the outcome with interest and concern. Sexton’s absence could affect not only Ireland’s chances in the World Cup but also Leinster’s prospects in future European and domestic competitions. Sexton has been an integral part of Leinster’s success in recent years, winning four Champions Cups and playing over 200 games for the province. Sexton has also been a Lions player three times, in 2013, 2017, and 2021, and he was a substitute in the last two tests against South Africa in 2009. Sexton’s legacy as a player and a leader is at stake, and his future depends on how he responds to the EPCR misconduct letter.
