Johnny Sexton fumes after ‘classless’ Rieko Ioane gesture post-World Cup quarter-final
Rieko Ioane celebrates while Johnny Sexton is left angry.
Ireland captain Johnny Sexton was visibly angry after the loss to the All Blacks in the Rugby World Cup quarter-final on Saturday.
After the final whistle, the retiring fly-half was spotted mouthing off to New Zealand centre Rieko Ioane, with fans slamming the Irish captain for his response.
The exchange came after an enthralling end to the game where Ireland desperately attempted to score what could have been a match-winning try.
Sexton and Ioane clash
Ireland went through 38 phases of attack in search of a match-winner, as the All Blacks led 28-24, with Brodie Retallick making the final tackle as his long-time locking partner Sam Whitelock pilfered over the ball to win the penalty and seal New Zealand’s passage into the semi-final, where they will meet Argentina.
As players dropped to the floor and others celebrated, Sexton was seen on camera having a go at Ioane in a heated exchange after what was his final professional rugby game.
Johnny Sexton is not happy about something here 🤬#RWC2023 pic.twitter.com/hjcMQBjoMX
— ITV Rugby (@ITVRugby) October 14, 2023
There was little sympathy for Sexton on social media, especially after he was handed a ban before the World Cup for berating South African referee Jaco Peyper after the Champions Cup final.
“Surprise, surprise! A leopard never changes its spots!” one onlooker on X, formerly Twitter, wrote.
Another added: “Bows out doing something he’s done for most of his career, complaining about something not going his way.”
One fan was a bit more understanding given the situation, writing, “Man’s just experienced what’s most likely the most heartbreaking sporting disappointment in his life. I think a small emotional outburst is forgivable.”
However, according to the Irish Times, Sexton was egged on by the actions of Ioane, who taunted the Ireland fans in the stands.
“Ioane, in a classless gesture, put his finger to his lips while looking at the Irish crowd, and then felt compelled to bid farewell to Sexton,” wrote rugby correspondent Gerry Thornley at the Stade de France.
All Blacks pay tribute to Sexton
While the tempers flared on the pitch, the All Blacks did pay tribute to Sexton during the post-match press conference.
“He has been massively successful for Ireland,” captain Sam Cane said.
“It is hard to say a lot about other players because there have been many players we have had to say goodbye to.
“We know how much it hurts, but when we reflect on his career, we see how great he has been for Ireland. He is great at decision-making, and he plays an outstanding game, and the fact that he has been playing at this level proves it. Congratulations on his outstanding career.”
Head coach Ian Foster added: “He’s been massively successful for them. If we hadn’t won, we would have a number of iconic players we would be saying goodbye to, too.
“They will have other players too finishing who would have targeted this tournament. Johnny has had a great career; he has done it all.”
