Johnny Sexton reveals details of scrap in his final match, no wonder he went mental
Rugby NewsSunday, 29 September 2024 at 20:00
Retired Ireland fly-half Johnny Sexton has shared details of his fiery confrontation with New Zealand's Rieko Ioane following Ireland's World Cup quarter-final exit in Paris.
promises to offer a deeper look into his remarkable career and personal reflections on the highs and lows of professional rugby.
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In his upcoming autobiography Obsessed, Sexton describes the tense moment that occurred after Ireland's defeat in October 2023.
Ioane's Provocative Comment
Sexton claims that Ioane's taunt sparked the altercation. "After [referee Wayne] Barnes blows the final whistle, he [Ioane] says 'don’t miss your flight tomorrow. Enjoy your retirement, you [expletive].' So much for the All Blacks’ famous 'no [expletive]' policy," Sexton writes in the book, which is being serialised in The Sunday Times.
"So much for their humility. I walk after Ioane and call him a fake-humble [expletive]," the former fly-half adds. Known for his passionate temperament, Sexton admits his reaction was not ideal but also reflective of the high emotions after such a crucial game.
Possible Ireland Coaching Return?
Since his retirement from international rugby following Ireland's early exit from the World Cup, speculation has swirled about a possible return to the sport in a coaching capacity. With attack coach Mike Catt leaving his role, rumours began circulating that Sexton might step into the Irish setup.
Ireland’s high-performance director, David Nucifora, hinted that Sexton could be a future coaching candidate, stating, "He has got to decide what floats his boat over the next period of time, but if he ever chose to come back into coaching, the Irish system would be mad to say no to him."
Business Ventures Take Priority
Despite the rumours, Sexton has turned his focus away from rugby, diving into the business world. He now serves as a commercial manager at Ardagh Group, a global leader in metal and glass packaging. The company, headquartered in Luxembourg, boasts 63 production facilities, employs 20,000 people, and generates over £7.2 billion annually.
Entrepreneurial Success
In addition to his corporate role, Sexton has made his mark as an entrepreneur. His company, JAS Management and Promotions Ltd., saw profits soar to £2.4 million in 2022, a significant increase from the previous year, showcasing his success off the rugby pitch.
Reflections on Retirement
As Sexton continues to adjust to life after rugby, he has shared insights into the emotional challenges of retirement. "Retirement is never an easy next step for any professional athlete," Sexton said. "It is especially hard after the rollercoaster of emotions from the last few weeks in France."
Although the disappointment of Ireland's World Cup campaign still lingers, Sexton expressed pride in his team. "The sadness and frustration we couldn’t progress further remain, but the pride I felt playing with such a committed and talented group of players will stay with me forever."
Sexton’s autobiography Obsessed
Meet the partners cheering on England’s Red Roses during WXV3
WXV1 was created to ensure more top-level clashes in women's rugby, but as its second season begins on Sunday, the question remains: can anyone challenge England?
Ranked number one in the world, the Red Roses are firm favourites to retain the title they claimed last year in New Zealand. England are on an impressive 17-match winning streak, which includes recent victories over France and reigning world champions, New Zealand.
While matches against the Black Ferns and hosts Canada loom large, England will first face the United States on Sunday. The Americans, ranked eighth in the world, will be looking to cause an upset.
We take a look at the loved ones who could help the Red Roses to victory.
#1. Zoe Aldcroft's husband
Luke is another rugby enthusiast who has been playing at Hartpury College in Gloucester for over five years. Zoe, 25, is often there to cheer him on whenever his team takes to the pitch.
Luke also coaches the Hartpury 2nd team in the university league and works full-time at a school. In his free time, he coaches the local side, Longlevens RFC.
The pair share a love for the outdoors, regularly going rowing and hiking together. When not adventuring, they can often be found attending family functions and friends’ weddings.
Though it’s not known when the two plan to marry, Luke is a devoted and supportive boyfriend, always on hand to encourage Zoe.
Speaking to Talking Rugby Union in January, he said: "She [Zoe] got nominated for Player of the Year over email, and a week later she got it."
He added: "I don’t know what she was thinking, but I was a bit all over the place."
"She does like to push me, and she’ll be brutally honest with me at feedback. If she sees me play, she’ll tell me something is s*** or mention a missed tackle."
"It is what I need, and it is the way she is. Her style."
#2. Jess Breach's boyfriend Archie White
Her partner is Archie White, who plays flanker for the Harlequins men’s side.
#3. Holly Aitchison and Hannah Botterman
Bristol Bears and England rugby teammates Holly and Hannah were once in a relationship, though it’s unclear if they remain together.
The pair first crossed paths at Hartpury College in 2015 but parted ways after a year, with Holly admitting she was left 'heartbroken' as she struggled to come to terms with her sexuality.
In a candid interview with FEMAIL, Holly revealed it was 'tough' to see Hannah on the sidelines due to injury but praised her resilience.
"How Hannah has picked herself back up from the injury and given everything to lift the team says a lot about her. She’s still got someone in her corner, and she’s definitely a source of energy for the squad," Holly said
#4. Ellie Kildunne's boyfriend Cameron
Growing up in Yorkshire with a passion for Liverpool FC, Ellie Kildunne has used her Instagram and TikTok to engage and inspire the next generation, particularly during last summer's Olympics.
Kildunne frequently shares glimpses of her life alongside her long-term partner, Cameron. The couple often post photos from their travels abroad, showcasing romantic getaways and family vacations.
Last year, Ellie celebrated Cameron’s birthday with a heartfelt three-minute video, captioned: "twentyone. Happy birthday to my best friend. Happiness is by your side, I love you x @_cameron_s.b."
Despite Ellie’s public profile, Cameron prefers to keep a lower profile, with his Instagram account set to private.
#5. Abbie Ward's husband Dave Ward
Abbie married former Harlequins hooker Dave Ward in August 2020, who now serves as her coach at Bristol Bears.
Their first meeting was unexpected, as Abbie was looking for members of the men’s team to support the women’s side when she came across Dave.
"Dave just happened to be there with a big smile on his face. He seemed approachable, and that's how we met," Abbie recalled.
Dave added, "She asked me where was good to go for breakfast in Guildford, and I saw my chance, so I picked somewhere nice."
Since then, the couple has fully intertwined their careers, often holding regular throwing practice sessions together in their garden.
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- Jordie Barrett over Damian de Allende is far from being correct. The hype around Dupont is also overreaching, he's probably 4th in the world and has been since the 2023 WC. He also avoids certain matchups which is strange. The rest of the list is pretty good apart from minor subjective biases.JasonMarlow16-09-2026
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