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.
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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 promises to offer a deeper look into his remarkable career and personal reflections on the highs and lows of professional rugby.
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.”