In the aftermath of their World Cup exit, Johnny Sexton’s Irish compatriots rallied to lift the spirits of the retiring rugby icon as Andy Farrell’s squad made their journey back from the Rugby World Cup in Paris.
Despite retiring as Ireland’s all-time leading points scorer, Sexton was unable to guide his team to their maiden appearance in the tournament’s semi-finals.
Amidst the squad’s departure from Paris on a Monday morning, a touch of camaraderie and humor took center stage as two Irish stars, Jack Conan and Bundee Aki, orchestrated a light-hearted and cheeky prank to bid their captain a memorable farewell.
Conan, showing his playful side, couldn’t pass up the chance to tease Sexton as they boarded the plane. The dynamic number eight playfully encouraged passengers to line up and share a “hug and a kiss” with the esteemed Leinster man during their journey back.
“Everyone move up and congratulate him personally,” Conan told passengers over the intercom. “Make it single-file. Come up and give him a pat on the back, a hug and a kiss – he’d love that. He’ll be over the moon.
“[He’ll] take photos, answer questions, anything you want, Johnny is just delighted to meet everyone. He has all the time today for everyone. Please take your time, come up and say hello to him. He is just so ecstatic about it all.”
Aki also joined in, noting that Sexton now had plenty of time on his hands after hanging up his boots. “Because he is retired, he has the time on the way,” he added.
Five players who underperformed in the World Cup quarter-finals
We take a look at five players who failed to perform in the quarter-finals of the 2023 Rugby World Cup in France.
#1. Andrew Porter (Ireland)
Irish Independent 5/10: “Pinged twice in the opening minutes, once at the breakdown and once in the scrum. Indeed, he drew the whistle from Wayne Barnes in two of the game’s first three scrums. Running dialogue with the ref but seemed frustrated throughout.”
Planet Rugby 3/10: “His illegalities at the scrum finally caught up with him as Wayne Barnes continually penalised Porter for not driving straight. However, it was his needless infringement in the opening minute which set the tone.”
RUCK 5/10: “Penalised in an early scrum, as his hips were too wide in the pack. A big hit on Will Jordan on the 20th phase, as Ireland defended strong. Couldn’t support Doris in time for his carry, as the number eight was isolated, and Porter couldn’t stop Savea’s turnover. Penalised twice more in the scrum for the same offence, in a performance he would want to forget in the pack. “