Johnny Sexton breaks silence on Rieko Ioane’s controversial Leinster switch with hilarious quip
Former Ireland fly-half Johnny Sexton and current All Blacks centre Rieko Ioane during Rugby World Cup clash in 2023.
Ireland and Leinster legend Johnny Sexton has given a strong hint that he is not best pleased with the decision to bring Rieko Ioane to Dublin later this year.
The All Blacks centre has agreed a short-term contract with Leo Cullen’s men for the 2025/26 season, effectively replacing Jordie Barrett, whose hugely successful stint ended recently.
Ioane is not certainly not a favourite of Irish rugby, and particularly Sexton, after their public spat following the All Blacks’ Rugby World Cup quarter-final victory over Andy Farrell’s side in 2023.
The feud
The former fly-half was unhappy with a comment the Blues back made in the immediate aftermath of the clash and that feud was reignited in the wake of Sexton’s book release which told his side of the story.
Ioane doubled down, however, before making the shock move to Leinster, which was announced in April this year.
Sexton had yet to comment publicly since it was confirmed but, at the very end of Monday’s British and Irish Lions press conference, the coach was asked about the deal.
His response was slightly tongue-in-cheek but the former playmaker certainly made his feelings clear.
“Wow, save the best for last,” he said. “I purchased my Munster season ticket last week, put it that way…”
Ioane is slightly more relaxed than Sexton about the switch, believing that the sport needs more drama between players.
“Whatever happens, I’m not too sure. The reception will be awesome, I can’t wait to get over there,” he told reporters in May.
“Fans will be fans, I’m no stranger to a bit of this. Rugby needs more of this, I love this side of the game. We’ll have to wait and see when I’m over there.
“It is a huge headline, but for me it’s more about just getting to the club and playing the best rugby with the boys. I haven’t had to meet new teammates for close to eight, nine years. This has always been home, so that’s going to be cool too.”
Sexton’s Lions role
Although the Ioane move has caused a bit of a sideshow, Sexton’s focus is very much on Lions matters having become part of Andy Farrell’s backroom team.
The Ireland legend is not long retired, which can be a help given that he understands the modern game, but it comes with the challenge of still being close to certain players.
“Obviously I know these guys really well but, with that, comes a challenge in how you deal with them, particularly when they’re friends,” he said.
“And it’s the same thing when you’re meeting people for the first time, there’s pros and cons with that. You have to try to get to know them as people, get to know their strengths and weaknesses.
“Sometimes you can have a perception of a player from what you see through a TV screen and no matter how much footage you can watch and then you can see something different live.
“You can see a different person to what you expected. I’m enjoying being back, that’s the main thing. Hopefully I can add value because that’s ultimately what you want when you come into a job. You want to feel like you’re making a difference and I want the players to say ‘he’s been good for me’.
“I want to impart some of the knowledge that I’ve picked up over 17 years as a pro, to give it back.”
READ MORE: Johnny Sexton ‘can’t be too chuffed’ as Irish rivals hit out at Rieko Ioane signing for Leinster
