Confrontational, aggressive behaviour now sees a three-week Johnny Sexton suspension imposed by European Rugby powers, and is costing the 38-year-old an inglorious delay to his ambition to drive Ireland towards a first-ever Rugby World Cup goal.
It comes after the [then] injured Leinster club player Sexton was investigated by European Professional Club Rugby (EPCR) at the conclusion of the Heineken Champions Cup campaign. Specifically, a sour interaction between the player during his side’s Cup final game on home soil. Complaints from matchday officials have seen Sexton now disciplined, and unavailable to participate in the Irish team’s Summer Series warm-up games.
BREAKING
Johnny Sexton to miss Ireland’s three Rugby World Cup warm up games after EPCR disciplinary hearing.
He and Leinster have the right to appeal @RTErugby @RTEsport pic.twitter.com/miQB2BShrt
— Damien O'Meara (@damien_omeara) July 16, 2023
Public reaction has ranged from “he’s gotten off lightly”, or”it’s a slap on the wrist” to “That is what a good lawyer will get you”. Many other sour comments will surround the ruling that means he will miss all of Ireland’s warm-ups – Italy, England, and Tonga yet will be available for the Rugby World Cup opener versus Romania
Confrontational, aggressive behaviour earns Johnny Sexton suspension pre-RWC
Being found guilty of misconduct towards match officials in the aftermath of the Champions Cup final is no laughing matter. It was disrespectful, so has repercussions that the Johnny Sexton suspension only touches on. Plus his club Leinster – who he was not even playing for on the night – has been handed a suspended fine of £7,500 (8,749 euros) for not exercising reasonable control over their player.
The committee ruled that if Leinster commit another act of misconduct before the end of the 2023/24 EPCR season the club must pay the £7,500 fine in full.
Personally, being restricted from active play, in such a critical phase of the Rugby World Cup cycle, is a punishment any sportsperson will recognize. Sexton will feel an amount of regret
Training your guts out only gets you so far. And facing Romania will only provide minimal preparation for the flyhalf. A reprimand that will impact his side’s plans and ambitions in France. Add in the countdown to his own retirement from the game, and it is an ignominious way to end a stellar International career.
Johnny Sexton will miss all of Ireland's three Rugby World Cup warm-ups after being found guilty of misconduct by an EPCR disciplinary panel, but his three-week suspension clears him to lead Ireland at the tournament in France this autumn🏉 pic.twitter.com/et9g1iALhc
— 👹Eamon Fitzpatrick🇮🇪 (@fitzpatrickeamo) July 16, 2023
A statement issued by European Professional Club Rugby on behalf of an independent disciplinary committee said: “Having regard to the full circumstances of the misconduct and the mitigation which is set out in detail in the written reasons, the disciplinary committee concluded that the appropriate and proportionate sanction was an immediate suspension of three matches.
“He (Sexton) is suspended with immediate effect and cannot play in the following Ireland matches: 1. Italy: August 5; 2. England: August 19, 3. Samoa: August 26”
At this point, the Johnny Sexton suspension period ends. All things in his favour, he will be named to play in the opening, Pool B match. He might also play in the Tonga match, before a collision of heavyweights on September 23 versus South Africa. How well he can prepare for that moment, now that the administrators have found him guilty of misconduct, is anyone’s guess. He could be primed for a charismatic role on a path to destiny. Or, rust and/or injury could inhibit his input.
A lot can happen in four years. Few will have imagined a [supposed] foul-mouthed harrowing of match officials would cause so much furore. Or should the Irishman have known better. So if anything, his poor example is what rugby does not need – even if the final act of his admired career is holding aloft the Webb Ellis Cup.
“Main photo credit courtesy of BT Sport twitter“
