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.
Ioane’s réponse
Ioane has responded to Sexton on social media, sharing a photo of the two from last year’s quarter-final on his Instagram story. He placed a joker card emoji over his own head and a house emoji over Sexton’s. The post features the chorus of The Cranberries’ iconic song “Zombie”—a tune closely associated with Irish fans in France last year—beginning with the lyrics, “in your head.”
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.”
The Three Richest Couples in World Rugby
Rugby has produced some of the most iconic athletes in the sporting world, but for a select few, success on the pitch has also led to immense wealth off it.
From high-profile marriages to lucrative endorsements and television appearances, these rugby stars have built financial empires.
Here’s a look at three couples who have combined their sporting legacies with fame and fortune, amassing millions along the way.
Mike and Zara Tindall – £20m
Mike Tindall is known not just for his rugby prowess but for his royal connections. As the husband of Zara Phillips, the granddaughter of Queen Elizabeth II, Tindall has become a prominent figure in British media.
Nicknamed “The Fridge” due to his imposing physique, Tindall was a stalwart on the rugby field, famously breaking his nose at least eight times over the course of his career. Since retiring from the sport, he’s made a name for himself in the entertainment world, appearing on popular reality shows such as I’m a Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here, Bear Grylls: Mission Survive, The Jump, Shark Cage, Celebrity Poker Club, and All-Star Poker Challenge.
Despite his success in sports and entertainment, Tindall’s wealth has been largely bolstered by his royal ties, with his net worth estimated at £20 million, according to British media.