Johnny Sexton’s Long List of Enemy’s: From Finn Russell to Warren Gatland

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Here’s a closer look at five figures in rugby who have reportedly clashed with Sexton.

Sexton’s rivalry with Rieko Ioane came to a head during the 2023 Rugby World Cup. Following Ireland’s quarter-final loss to New Zealand, Ioane reportedly taunted Sexton, suggesting that it was time for him to retire.

The interaction didn’t sit well with Sexton, who later criticised Ioane’s behavior as hypocritical, especially in light of the All Blacks' “no d***heads” policy. The exchange further fueled the tension between the two players and made headlines worldwide​

"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 claims in his upcoming autobiography, Obsessed, serialised in the Sunday Times.

"So much for their humility. I walk after Ioane and call him a fake-humble [expletive]."

Over the course of his long career, Sexton's temperament was often a point of discussion and he admits his reaction in defeat was somewhat unseemly.

"It doesn't look great, me having a go at one of them just after we've lost," Sexton says. "But I can’t be expected to ignore that."

Finn Russell, known for his creative and unorthodox style, stands in sharp contrast to Sexton’s more structured and disciplined approach. Sexton has reportedly called Russell “flashy” and inconsistent, suggesting that he values flair over reliability.

This difference in playing philosophy has fuelled tension between the two fly-halves, with Sexton critical of Russell’s approach to high-stakes situations.

The tension between Sexton and referee Jaco Peyper escalated dramatically after the 2023 Champions Cup final between Leinster and La Rochelle. Despite being injured and sidelined, Sexton confronted Peyper post-match, allegedly calling his officiating a “f***ing disgrace.”

Peyper described the interaction as “aggressive,” which led to a three-match ban for Sexton. This incident remained a talking point as Sexton prepared for the World Cup, where he continued to express frustration over Peyper’s decisions​

Sexton’s professional approach to rugby contrasts starkly with Danny Cipriani’s reputation for being more laid-back. Sexton reportedly found Cipriani’s casual attitude frustrating, especially in training and preparation.

Cipriani’s relaxed style and off-field antics clashed with Sexton’s high standards, leaving the Irishman less than impressed with Cipriani’s professionalism​

Sexton’s exclusion from the 2021 British & Irish Lions tour, led by coach Warren Gatland, has remained a point of contention. Sexton was overlooked in favor of other fly-halves, including Finn Russell, despite being widely regarded as one of the best in Europe.

The decision left Sexton feeling frustrated with Gatland’s coaching choices, which he viewed as an oversight of his experience and consistency​

“We’d never had a very close relationship," he revealed in the book. "But I was convinced he would bring me, based on the fact that we had been successful on previous tours. Gatland has always said that Six Nations form was his main selection guide and I had finished the Six Nations strongly. Our performance in the final game, when we gave England a 32–18 spanking in the Aviva, was a turning point for the team. 

“I’d set a few personal targets to achieve before the end of my contract: to reach 100 caps, to captain Ireland to a grand slam and Leinster to another double. I also craved a third Lions tour. There’s an exclusive club of players who have played in three or more Test series for the Lions and I desperately wanted to be in it.

“Competition was tight, I’ll admit," Sexton added. "I expected that Gats would go with Owen Farrell and Dan Biggar, players who had delivered for him before. Quality players and proven winners. Finn Russell was the darling of the media during that year’s Six Nations but he didn’t look like a Gatland player to me. I reckoned that if Gats chose three out-halves and if he was true to his ideals, I was in.”

12 years have passed since Warren Gatland’s men roared to a famous series win over Australia, but how well do you really remember the iconic 2013 British & Irish Lions squad?

From legendary leaders to surprise selections, we’ve lined up every player from that unforgettable tour. All you have to do is name them. No pressure, right?

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