Johnny Sexton exchanged some heated words with New Zealand centre Rieko Ioane after Ireland were dumped out of the World Cup in the quarter-finals by the All Blacks. New Zealand booked their place in the semis against Argentina with a narrow 28-24 win at the Stade de France.
Ireland skipper Sexton was inconsolable at full-time as he fought back tears. The game marked a heartbreaking end to an incredible career that had taken the 38-year-old to Leinster and Racing 92 at club level as well as a stellar 14-year stretch with Ireland as an international.
Andy Farrell’s men had been the favourites to win the tournament and so their early exit came as a great disappointment. Tensions flared after the final whistle was blown as Sexton had to be held back by lock Jack Conan after trading verbal jabs with Ioane.
But Sexton was quick to compose himself and hailed his team in the post-match press conference after the game. “They are an incredible bunch led by the man beside me (Andy Farrell). It’s the best group I have ever been apart of. Bar none,” he told assembled media.
Buy all of your Rugby World Cup 2023 programmes here
“These guys will go on and achieve great things and I’ll be sitting in the stand having a pint like you lads.” New Zealand captain Sam Cane used his time on the mic to pay tribute to Sexton.
“He’s been outstanding for Ireland for a very long time. As long as I’ve been playing against Ireland, he’s been there,” said Cane. “He’s very good at taking the ball to the line, and his decision-making. He directs that team and steers them around. The fact that he’s been able to play at the top level for so long is an absolute testament to him and his character, without knowing him too well personally. Anyone who’s able to do that, it says a heck of a lot about them. So yeah, congratulations Johnny, on an outstanding career.”
Meanwhile, Farrell insisted that the inspirational spirit of Ireland’s outgoing captain will help them return to challenge on the biggest stage. “I think a lot of our group are still learning and I said to the group in the changing room the reason they’re going to keep on learning is because of this guy (Sexton) sat beside me here,” said Farrell.
“The impact that he’s had on the rest of the team over the last four years has been amazing. And the way that he’s conducted himself as a leader and as a player and the way that he’s shown the love of playing for Ireland will be remembered and connected to this group for many years to come. Through his example, the younger guys will keep on getting better and striving to be better, there’s no doubt about that.”
