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.
Owen Farrell of England warms up before the Autumn Nations Match between England and Australia at Twickenham on 13 November 2021. Photo: Micah Crook/PPAUK
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.
#4. Marcus Smith (England)
- Age: 23
- Caps: 13
According to some fans, Smith can jump 200 feet from a standing position and shoot balls of fire out of his nostrils. But while his efforts at test level are still yet to match the hype, there is no question that Smith has phenomenal potential.
Marcus Smith of England celebrates after winning during the Autumn Nations Match between England and South Africa at Twickenham Stadium on 20 November 2021. Photo: Tom Sandberg/PPAUK
Smith Facts:
Smith was born in Manila in the Philippines and picked up the game at the age of 7 with Centaurs RFC when his family decided to move to Singapore, he learnt the game there before moving to Sussex as a 13-year old
His Dad, Jeremy Smith lived in Hong Kong from 1992-97, playing for Valley and the national side at fly-half
At just 18 years of age and 200 days, he made his Premiership debut at Twickenham to become the youngest fly-half to start in the top flight since a 17-year old George Ford
He is known to many of his teammates as Smudge, which is the traditional military nickname for anyone with the surname Smith.
#3. Richie Mo’unga (New Zealand)
- Age:28
- Caps: 43
A serial winner for the Crusaders, Richie Mo’unga is highly rated for his vision and attacking skills, which have seen him don the No 10 shirt for New Zealand.
Mo'unga Facts:
The fly-half played for the Barbarians against New Zealand before he made his international debut
Mo’unga showed off his piano skills in some YouTube videos posted from hotels in Japan during the 2019 Rugby World Cup
A racehorse that Mo’unga has a 10% share is named after the fly-half
#2. Finn Russell (Scotland)
- Age: 30
- Caps: 63
A true rugby maverick. Often sees passes that few would even contemplate. They don't always come off, but that's half the fun.
Russell Facts:
After secondary school, Russell worked for three years as a stonemason
Russell has been nicknamed 'Russell the Muscle' due to having a somewhat slender build for a modern-day rugby player
His grandparents were international badminton players and his uncle and great-grandfather played Cricket for Scotland
In 2018, Finn Russell was capped with the Barbarians against England. He scored 19 points (1 try and a 7/7 kicking conversions), allowing his team win 45–63 at Twickenham
#1. Johnny Sexton (Ireland)
- Age:37
- Caps: 43
He’s now 37, but there are just no signs of his powers waning. A former World Rugby player of the year, he's still performing for Ireland and Leinster. The way he orchestrated the Irish against the All Blacks this summer,, was just a fly-half masterclass.
Johnny Sexton of Ireland celebrates after the six Nations Championship match, between England and Ireland at Twickenham Stadium, London , UK, on the 17th March 2017. (Photo:Dean Lancaster/PPAUK)
