Johnny Sexton could still potentially receive a suspension for his remarks directed at referee Jaco Peyper subsequent to the Champions Cup final between Leinster and La Rochelle.
Although Sexton was unable to participate in the 27-26 defeat due to injury, the Leinster captain attracted attention in the aftermath of the match due to reports of a halftime altercation and a verbal exchange with the officials.
In an article published by the Sunday newspaper, the Rapport, it is claimed that they have obtained footage of the incident which captures Sexton strongly criticising the match officials.
According to the report, the Irish fly-half directed insults towards the officiating team, primarily targeting referee Peyper.
A source quoted Sexton as saying, “You are all a f***king disgrace,” before walking away to console a teammate.
The source further indicates that any potential disciplinary measures from the EPCR and World Rugby will hinge on whether Peyper’s assistants, Karl Dickson and Christophe Ridley, corroborate the events described.
Johnny Sexton named most annoying player to referee following latest outburst
#5. Owen Farrell (England)
Could it be anybody else to start? Farrell fits the label “our guy” better than most, meaning you love to hate him unless he’s in your squad. Then you’d go to the end’s of the earth to defend him.
The England captain, also known as ‘Shoulder boy’ for his high tackling, does himself no favours with his poor tackling technique.
Although he’s currently serving a two-match ban, the fact he often seems to get away with it doesn’t help either.
Owen Farrell facts:
The Saracens star went to school with England teammate George Ford
His education began in rugby league – he joined Wigan St Patricks at the age of eight
He became the youngest ever player to appear in English professional rugby, making his debut aged 17 and 11 days. This record was later beaten by schoolmate Ford
It’s well known that Owen is the son of Ireland head coach Andy Farrell. However, it’s less commonly know that his uncle Sean O’Loughlin is also a rugby league legend, winning 34 caps for Great Britain between 1993 and 2009
He was not at first registered as a Farrell, but took mum Colleen’s family name of O’Loughlin. The couple married in 1995, changing Owen’s surname to Farrell the following year.