Johnny Sexton to learn his World Cup fate on Thursday after referee spat
Leinster's Johnny Sexton after the Heineken Champions Cup final at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin.
Ireland will be sweating on the outcome of Thursday’s disciplinary hearing for Johnny Sexton, as his Rugby World Cup participation remains in doubt.
The long-awaited hearing comes after the fly-half had a misconduct complaint made against him following his behaviour towards the match officials on May 20.
Leinster skipper Sexton, who was a spectator in the Champions Cup final loss to La Rochelle, had what looked to be a heated exchange with the officiating team.
Hearing on Thursday
South Africa’s Jaco Peyper was referee for the match, which Leinster lost 27-26, and after a review from European Professional Club Rugby (EPCR), the hearing was set.
EPCR submitted misconduct complaints against Sexton following the veteran fly-half’s actions, and also Leinster for not exercising control over their player.
The 37-year-old stalwart, who is set to retire after the 2023 Rugby World Cup, will appear by video conference call before an independent disciplinary panel.
The panel will be chaired by Christopher Quinlan KC.
Ireland start their on-field preparations for this year’s World Cup with a clash against Italy on August 5, before they face England and Samoa later that month.
Opener on September 9
Their opening World Cup game sees them take on Romania in Bordeaux on September 9, so a suspension for Sexton has potential to affect his availability.
Announcing the disciplinary, EPCR said: “Misconduct complaints against the Leinster Rugby player, Johnny Sexton, and against Leinster Rugby, arising from the Heineken Champions Cup final on Saturday May 20 2023, have been lodged by EPCR.
“After thorough fact-finding and careful review of Johnny Sexton’s behaviour towards match officials after the match, in accordance with EPCR regulations, the EPCR disciplinary officer has submitted misconduct complaints so that an independent disciplinary panel can determine whether any misconduct has been committed by Mr Sexton (through his behaviour) and Leinster (through failing to exercise reasonable control over Mr Sexton).”
After their opening Rugby World Cup pool clash with Romania, Ireland will face Tonga (September 16), South Africa (September 23) and Scotland (October 7).
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