Johnny Sexton suffered a gruesome looking injury as Leinster began 2023 with a comprehensive seven-try 41-12 victory against Irish rivals Connacht.
Sexton’s mis-timed tackle on Connacht back-row Jarrad Butler in the second half, hitting his cheekbone in the contact and was subsequently removed moments later in the 64th minute.
Reacting to the injury, one. fan wrote: “Needs to be cited but won’t be in the interest of irish rugby.”
A second commented: “Should have been a yellow for Sexton.”
Johnny Sexton injury:
Leinster apology:
The club have issued an apology after the Wolfe Tones song ‘Celtic Symphony’ was played following Sunday’s win over Connacht at the RDS.
The song features the lyric “Ooh Ah, Up the Ra!” in reference to the IRA.
“A song was played over the PA at the RDS Arena this evening that shouldn’t have been played,” a Leinster spokesperson said.
“Leinster Rugby has taken measures to ensure it doesn’t happen again and apologises sincerely for its use and for any offence caused.”
Johnny Sexton Facts:
He was part of the first Ireland men’s team to beat New Zealand in a Test match
Sexton played in all six Tests on the 2013 and 2017 British & Irish Lions tours
He married his childhood sweetheart Laura Priestley in 2013
His favourite TV show is the Netflix hit Narcos and his favourite film is Quentin Tarantino’s 2009 release Inglourious Basterds.
6 Best Fly-Halves In The World Have Been Named And Ranked:
#6. Paolo Garbisi (Italy)
- Age:22
- Cap: 20
Despite being just 21, he has shown tremendous potential in his young career. Having started with Mogliano, he would eventually land a starting spot with Benetton. Garbisi’s 129 points from 12 appearances in the green caught the eye of France’s Montpellier, where he currently plies his trade.
#5. Owen Farrell (England)
- Age:31
- Cap: 97
The Saracens man is one of the best fly-halves on the planet. Although he usually plays 12 for England, he is always a top option for the out-half position. With the emergence of Marcus Smith in the international setup, those days might be over.
Farrell Facts:
The Saracens star went to school with England teammate George Ford.
He became the youngest ever player to appear in English professional rugby, making his debut aged 17 and 11 days.
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.
Owen Farrell married his longtime girlfriend Georgina “Georgie” Farrell (née Lyon) in July 2018. Their son, Tommy Farrell, was born in March 2019.
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.
In 2005, the 13-year-old Farrell had a trial with Manchester United, and did enough to convince the club’s academy executives that the then goalkeeper deserved an extended spell with the club.