Sexton free to captain Ireland at World Cup after three-match ban
The 38-year-old Leinster fly-half will miss the warm-up fixtures in opposition to Italy, England and Samoa after admitting a European Professional Club Rugby misconduct cost levelled within the wake of the province’s Heineken Champions Cup last defeat by La Rochelle on May 20.
Sexton, who was not taking part in within the recreation, went on to the pitch on the Aviva Stadium after the match – Leinster misplaced 27-26 – and have become concerned in what gave the impression to be a heated trade with South African referee Jaco Peyper and different match officers.
A press release issued on behalf of the unbiased disciplinary fee, which met final week, mentioned: “With the consent of the parties, the independent disciplinary committee (comprising Christopher Quinlan KC, chair, (World Rugby independent judicial panel chair), Adam Casselden SC (former chair SANZAAR judicial committee) and Marcello D’Orey (former international rugby player) announced its decision and full written reasons today in respect of the misconduct case brought against Johnny Sexton and Leinster Rugby.
“Johnny Sexton admitted misconduct. The disciplinary committee found his behaviour confrontational and aggressive towards and disrespectful of the match officials.
“It included his pointing his finger at them and shouting at them something to this effect: ‘It’s a disgrace you guys can’t get the big decisions right,’ probably accompanied by expletives, ‘most likely the f-word’.
“His conduct was obviously unsportsmanlike and brought the sport of rugby union into disrepute.”
Sexton has been suspended with instant impact and can miss the video games in opposition to Italy on August 5, England a fortnight later and Samoa on August 26.
However, he will likely be obtainable for Ireland’s opening World Cup fixture in opposition to Romania in Bordeaux on September 9.
Leinster have additionally been handed a suspended £7,500 superb for failing to train cheap management over their participant, and each, in addition to EPCR, have till 4pm on Wednesday to enchantment in opposition to the unbiased disciplinary committee determination.
The assertion continued: “The disciplinary committee upheld the misconduct complaint against Leinster Rugby.
“Having regard to the limited extent to which it was at fault and relevant mitigation, the disciplinary committee concluded that the appropriate penalty was a fine in the sum of £7,500, suspended until the end of the 2023/24 EPCR season.
“If Leinster commits another act of Misconduct before the end of the 2023/24 EPCR season it must pay that sum in full.”
Sexton, who led his nation, ranked primary on the earth, to a Six Nations Grand Slam in March, has signalled his intention to retire after this autumn’s event.