The emblematic opener of the XV of Clover faced a suspension of ten games, but saw his sanction reduced to three games, announced the EPCR, the governing body of European rugby, Sunday evening.
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A lenient decision to say the least. Ireland captain Jonathan Sexton will be able to play in the World Cup despite being suspended for three games for “misconduct” during the Champions Cup final, the EPCR announced on Sunday (July 16th).
“He is free to play on August 27, 2023”, said in a press release the organizing body of the European cups. In fact, the iconic 38-year-old fly-half would miss friendlies against Italy, England and Samoa in August as the World Cup begins on September 8.
The captain of the XV of Clover was heard Thursday before an independent disciplinary committee because of his behavior towards the South African referee Jaco Peyper, at the end of the Champions Cup final lost by Leinster against La Rochelle (26 -29) on May 20th. Forfeited through injury, Sexton had not participated in the match but was present at the Aviva Stadium to encourage his partners.
He will participate in his last World Cup
The Disciplinary Committee found his behavior ‘confrontational, aggressive and disrespectful towards match officials’said the EPCR. “Particularly he pointed his finger at them and yelled something like, ‘It’s a shame you can’t make the right decisions,’ probably accompanied by an expletive.” His Leinster club, deemed unable to contain his player, was fined 7,500 pounds.
Operated on adductors in the spring, the number 10 had to withdraw for the end of the season. On May 30, however, he was on the list of 42 players selected to prepare for the World Cup in France.
Sexton, 113 caps for Ireland, has long announced that the World Tournament will be his last competition before retirement. Poured into pool B, the Irish will be opposed to Romania, Tonga, South Africa and Scotland.