Leaving: Jonathan Sexton
Ireland fly-half Jonathan Sexton will leave Leinster at the end of the season, with Racing Métro his reported destination.
The in-form playmaker's future was confirmed on Friday in what is a shock move from the Irish international and probable B&I Lions starter.
"The Irish Rugby Football Union has been informed that Johnny Sexton will not be renewing his contract to remain playing full time in Ireland from the end of this season," said a statement from the IRFU.
"We are very disappointed, as we know the Irish rugby public will be, that Johnny Sexton will not be playing his rugby full time in Ireland from next season," said IRFU chief executive Phillip Browne.
"Johnny is a major talent and his full time presence in Ireland will be missed, particularly by Leinster.
"We wish Johnny continued success with his career and he will receive all the support he needs over the next number of weeks in what we know was a very difficult decision for him.
"While we remained in the fight right up until the last possible moment to keep Johnny in Ireland with a very strong offer, ultimately, following negotiations with the player's agent, we had no option but to take the decision that it would not be in the best interest of Irish rugby to chase the reported financial incentives being offered.
"The IRFU has made a commitment to, and been largely successful in, keeping as many Irish players as possible playing full time in Ireland. However, we have always recognised that some of our players will be targeted by overseas clubs with offers which, quite simply, are not within our orbit.
"While Johnny has made the decision to move on to a new club, the IRFU is fully committed, together with the provinces, to maintaining its programme of nurturing and retaining Irish rugby talent. We feel that the benefits of the careful and considered management of those players will allow us to maintain this policy."
Leinster coach Joe Schmidt added: "Naturally, I'm disappointed."
"I've really enjoyed Johnny's input over the last few years and he has added tremendous value to the Leinster environment both on and off the field. The offer he has received is exceptional, even by French standards, but I know that it was still a tough decision for him."
Comments
makemehappy says...
I'm starting to wonder if Sexton was actually Welsh all along, since it looks like a froggie team will get him to sign for lots of money!
Posted 10:11 26th January 2013
mcdb06 says...
@ Sincero
As a Munster fan i'm not overly worried about the fallout for Leinster but their fans should be. Not just because you've lost a class outhalf but the province is about to lose a heap of players in the next 2 years when Drico, Cullen, Jennings and a few other have to retire, similar to what happened in Munster. About to go threw a period of transition and you've lost one person who really could have eased it.
Andrew Conway's switch to Munster highlights that they made the same mistake Munster did of being over-reliant on the same squad. The players of the famed Leinster academy that we all heard so much about a few years ago haven't been blooded and he's right to leave in search of game time. I'd wouldn't be surprised if the likes of Dominic Ryan and Brendan Macken did the same.
But back to the point at hand, the other major concern is preventing Irish Rugby going the same way as Wales. Although it's bloody tough to sacrifice one of the best outhalves in the NH, I think as has been pointed out they need to deprive foreign based players of international call-ups to stop the flood gates from opening. Until a better incentive to stay can be reached i.e modified tax relief scheme etc this is the only logical solution.
Posted 09:39 26th January 2013
lacroix says...
@leinster goy: so you could challenge for the heineken cup next year with sexton but not without? hmmm. your team is all about one player? interesting analysis- i'm not sure i agree, but what does it say about your assessment of the rest of the squad
leinster(with sexton) were poor this year, face it. they didnt deserve more in the HC than they got, though i can imagine its galling for leinster fans to see a team as thoroughly mediocre as leicester get to the QFs this year.
Posted 08:28 26th January 2013
new_j4a says...
@sincero, "I'll be sitting in my seat, cheering " Post your address here and I'll send you supporters strip for Quins and Toulon....that way you can walk out a winner (XXS?). Thanks for the heads up on the Pro12 all being one big pool drawn from the shallow end of the gene pool.....you are right I don't watch it (there is so much good rugby to watch), but I may have to start joining all the cider heads so that I know what is going on down at the Leinster level. As for all this talk of JS going to a shite French club, I am not sure that a top French club would have him...coming as he does from a shite Irish club on the decline. I really think you should switch your support to Munster....real Irishmen (not West Brits) and on the rise...may well be in the final this year and win it next?
Posted 08:23 26th January 2013
Norm says...
Ah Come on Leinster Goy
You think that the IRFU should bend over and start letting players dictate the pay grade? That would cause an implosion. IRFU are a bunch of muppets of that there is no doubt, but if they start trying to match the spending of French clubs like Racing and Toulon the game in Ireland will suffer. And by that I mean the squeeze would come on the development side of the game. That side that nurtured Sextons talent so well and took from being a good running outhalf who couldnt hit a cows arse with a banjo into the sort of player Racing will dig deep for.
Like I said if he wants to follow the money fair play to him but dont try and put all this on the IRFU, he deserted your province for money, that is a decision he made and I am not going to judge him for it, but it is nonsense to lay all of this at the feet of the IRFU. Almost as idiotic as your persistant view that the red fellas are calling all the shots in Irish Rugby.
I hope he is not the start of a landslide of talent going to France. But time the other unions got together and reigned in the money issue in France.
Posted 05:18 26th January 2013
Sincero says...
mcdb06 says...
Sincero said 'Perhaps Johnny can teach them something about heart and taking pride in a jersey'
Definition of irony right there.
I know, mate... was entirely intended. You're right, though. Next year should see a challenge from them, but the Bouclier de Brennus would require a consistency that I'd guess would be beyond them. Lower-end playoffs would be my guess. And at 9th ATM they're looking at Challenge Cup next season too.
It's mad now in France... you have two teams made up entirely of mercenaries (and good luck to them), and the teams that weren't invented/resurrected yesterday by Big Money already have 4 times our resources... dosh, advertising, sponsorship... it's the professionalisation of our sport, the ethos of which remains amateur, and in that sense a true sport...
Long story short, if action is not taken, and it should have been years ago... but if nothing is done... no real salary cap put in across the board, or no preventive measures (again, long over-due) by the I.R.F.U., and the other ProXII unions... well, that'll be it for us, and the sport will be samanthaball in no time flat.
Is J.10 leaving a disaster for Leinster? Not at all... we were spoilt with two out-halves of that quality in the team. Had already noted this to those unfortunate to have to listen to me at the matches, or those silly enough to read my ramblings on-line... I had thought Mad Dog's position an impossible one, and expected him to be the one to have to seek pastures new... but as it stands I'm actually happy for both players concerned. Sexton is off to seek new conquests, having had Europe at his feet three times, and favourite to steer the Lions... and Mad Dog.... well, his star is in the ascendancy. The potential he has shown means I'm not worried in the slightest. Absolute confidence in the lad. Now:
Who let Mad Dog out????
Posted 01:29 26th January 2013
Sincero says...
new_j4a says...
@sincero, Good man! Barely a visible tremble of that bottom lip. Always did admire bravery.
Two questions for you, of wise one:
1. Who do you think will be the first to follow? Kearney?
2. Do you think this Mad Dog fellow will be enough to get you out of the pool stage of the Rabo?
1. I'd have to say your girlfriend, as J.10 is far more handsome, successful and potent than you. Just ask Flossy.
2. There is no pool stage to the ProXII, pathetic troll depresses with his ineptitude. How good is Mad Dog (of whom you've never heard)? Watch an odd game and find out, yokel. There are 5 pivots in Johnny's wake... we produce them here... tonnes of talent... unlike your sorry backwater.
3. My ticket? I'll be sitting in my seat, cheering on whomever I want. Plenty of good teams to get behind. I love rugby. You just love animal cruelty. Whom do you support, Cletus? Hedging those bets? ha... coward... chase those poor ovine beasties around the paddock, sure you need the exercise.
Posted 01:12 26th January 2013
Qkram79 says...
@ Sincero ... You really have got loads of mates on here don't you?
Posted 00:07 26th January 2013
The_Dange says...
First of all I'd like to say fair play to him, it is a short career and you make your hay when the sun is out. But Secondly I hope they start to look at another outside half, as a way to stop players from leaving the country and show precedent that if you leave for money you wont be in favour with the selectors.
I would like to point out that I do not think that Jonny Sexton will be happy playing for a team that happily concedes away games regularly and is known to show zero fight in the European Cup. Sexto is a rugby man, and a competitor of the fiercest nature. I cannot see how he would be content or hope to prosper in this environment. If the Mad Dog steps up to the way we all think he should, it could be a long way back for an out of sorts JS.
Posted 23:59 25th January 2013
Spartacus says...
@Theshaw - I fail to understand your point. All the great fly halfs (and Sexton is not close to being a great at this stage) started off as young unknowns. Look at the the Top 14 squads and you will see lots of French no. 10s who dont get a game because some journeyman is first choice. This can never be good for French rugby. Ignorant fool you are sir
Posted 22:56 25th January 2013
froggy73 says...
@mcbd06: "He's going from best team in Europe to an average French team"
Best team in Europe ? We are in 2013 mate, wake up. Leinster have been kicked off the HEC by Clermont.
I agree for the average French team though. He could have made a better choice.
Posted 22:48 25th January 2013
PatrickH says...
@ sincero & Leinster_goy
Brilliant!
Better than the article imo.
PlanetRugby should be paying some of the posters on this site!
Posted 22:06 25th January 2013
TVaddict says...
To be fair to the lad, his career is short so he wants to make as much as he can. Plus, this move might not be all about money. He's won two Heineken cups with Leinster, so he's already achieved everything he can with them. Now is a chance to challenge himself in a whole new way. He'll be playing in the toughest league in the world against some of the best players in the world. That is a great experience for his development and will benefit Ireland in the long run. I bet he'll return to Ireland in time for the world cup, so he can be nice and rested in the Rabo.
I know people may dispute the fact that the French league is toughest, but for players in the 1-10 position it is definitely the toughest league. The Super and Rabo league has too many matches that don't matter so teams can rest players. The English Premiership is the most competitive league where any team can beat any other team (so some could argue that results wise it's the most exciting :D ). But the Top 14 is the league where every match is difficult, and almost every team is full of international talent. Granted the rugby isn't always free flowing (it is the same in the premiership), but that is because the games actually matter and that sometimes makes teams play percentage rugby, but that will still test 1-10 in their ability.
Posted 21:34 25th January 2013
mcdb06 says...
Sincero said 'Perhaps Johnny can teach them something about heart and taking pride in a jersey'
Definition of irony right there. A team of mercenaries playing for the money and not trophies. Sexton is no different. He's is looking out for number 1 which is fair enough but it's not like he would have been on a pittance if he's stayed in Ireland. He's going from best team in Europe to an average French team. Big question over his dedication to winning more trophies, certainly could have won a lot more if he'd stayed put.
Posted 20:59 25th January 2013
leinster_goy says...
now that i've had a bit of time to clear my head on this, one thing is obvious in my mind: the IRFUSSR are a bunch of swivel-eyed, charvet-shirt-wearing junket-heads with bollocks for brains who couldn't organise a piss-up in a brewery. here is the most prized asset in irish rugby, the best fly-half in europe for 3 years, fast becoming best in the world...and they couldn't even put up the cash to hold onto him. even if it's true that they couldn't match racing's offer, maybe in hindsight they'll realise that they shouldn't have wasted so much money on "project players" like tony buckley, peter borlase, etc (interesting how their actions tend to benefit the red shite, to Leinster's detriment, isn't it) and actually got their priorities straight instead. the fact is, not one of them are fit to lace Sexyboy's boots
on Sexyboy: i'm beyond gutted at the decision but it's hard to hold it against him when you put yourself in his shoes. he's 27, peak of his power, 3 Heino medals in the back pocket, dealing with a shower of malcontents above his head...who would begrudge him the opportunity to earn a higher wage abroad? the fact is, Sexto has delivered unparalleled success to the province, all the while being a great leader and a true gent. and for that, the Blue Army will miss him dearly. thanks, Jonny
where next for Leinster? i genuinely believed we could challenge for the Heino again next year but so much for that now. unlike the "silver lining" commenters here, i think Madders still has a very long way to go, and i doubt if he can fill this void. clearly the 'powers that be' have decided that Leinster have enough european cups. so focus is shifting towards a resurrection of stab city united - who, incidentally, managed today to snaffle Andrew Conway, one of our most promising talents - with the IRFUSSR's connivance no doubt. lean times ahead in the capital, methinks
Posted 20:41 25th January 2013
Norm says...
Shocked! But good luck to Sexton, I thought the guy would have stayed at Leinster in the interest of keeping something pretty amazing in a rugby sense, going and it is amazing the rugby leinster have been playing, but money matters more to him, so good luck to him. Not a loaded question but has the irish tax break for sportsmen finishing their career in Ireland been pulled?
I think that Leinster will get over it though and good luck to them and Sexton. I do think that the chelski approach of Toulon and the Man City Heir apparency of Racing cannot be allowed to continue. There is limited revenue in Rugby and Boudjellal and his Parisien wannabee sugar daddy, are a cancerous presence on the broader interest of rugby.
Btw Sincero, have been in India all week so my post was a few days late but just wondering if you caught my correction on HC team of the week page regarding Conor O'Shea, turns out he wasnt a Dub but in fact from Limerick, silly old me I said he was from Kerry, boy didnt I look stupid!
Posted 20:17 25th January 2013
new_j4a says...
@sincero, Oh yes, nearly forgot. What are you doing with your ticket for the HC final? Selling it to a Munster or a Toulon fan? I'd make you an offer but I'll probably want something a little closer to the action.
Posted 20:11 25th January 2013
new_j4a says...
@sincero, Good man! Barely a visible tremble of that bottom lip. Always did admire bravery.
Two questions for you, of wise one:
1. Who do you think will be the first to follow? Kearney?
2. Do you think this Mad Dog fellow will be enough to get you out of the pool stage of the Rabo?
Posted 20:04 25th January 2013
Sincero says...
SUFTUM says...
Bad for Ireland and Leinster. If Leinster need a new out half, we've got Niall O'Connor going spare up here at Ulster haha
Ah sure, was inflicting Babyhumph on Irish not enough for you?!? How that lad shares any genes with his brother yet manages to play like that is beyond me. Was bad enough when the Neeps sent them Tomás 'Burro' O'Leary, but I digress. Send Niall to Munster.
Posted 19:05 25th January 2013
Sincero says...
Froggy73
'I am now waiting for Muppet Sincero's comments. He will somehow manage to refer to the WW2 I am sure'
That was a bit uncalled for, my oleaginous Gallic friend. Let me be clear- any previous comment need not have referred to WWII in particular, if it were claimed that it was logical, but not necessarily honourable, to lay down arms and allow the Germans to march into France... it could have referred to WWII, WWI, or even the Franco-Prussian war of 1870. But I don't see what that has to do with rugby, so please, stay on topic!
Racing will have some team next year, though it looks like Challenge Cup for them at best at the moment. Perhaps Johnny can teach them something about heart and taking pride in a jersey, which was so sorely lacking recently. No better man.
Posted 18:55 25th January 2013