Irish rugby star Sexton gets off lightly after referee abuse

*Note: This is an updated article on Sexton and his alleged tirade against officials, including Jaco Peyper

Earlier this year, La Rochelle staged a stunning fightback to claim a famous win over Leinster and retain the Champions Cup, with the game having been officiated by South African referee Jaco Peyper.

At full time, Leinster captain Sexton – who missed the match due to injury – was seen swearing at, and insulting, the match officials. Footage showed Sexton hitting out at the match officials, apparently stating that they were a “f***ing disgrace”.

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Yet, despite the fact that many thought Sexton could face a lengthy ban, he will only be suspended for three games in the end. As a result, he will miss Ireland’s World Cup warm-up matches, but will be available from the start of the World Cup.

European Professional Club Rugby [EPCR] said in a statement: “Johnny Sexton admitted misconduct. The disciplinary committee found his behaviour confrontational and aggressive towards and disrespectful of the match officials.

“It included his pointing his finger at them and shouting at them something to this effect: ‘It’s a disgrace you guys can’t get the big decisions right’ probably accompanied by expletives ‘most likely the f-word’. His conduct was obviously unsportsmanlike and brought the sport of rugby union into disrepute.

“Having regard to the full circumstances of the misconduct and the mitigation which is set out in detail in the written reasons, the disciplinary committee concluded that the appropriate and proportionate sanction was an immediate suspension of three matches.”

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PEYPER WILL BE AT THE WORLD CUP LATER THIS YEAR

World Rugby has confirmed the team of match officials who have been selected for Rugby World Cup 2023 in France later this year.

Two South Africans, Jaco Peyper and Marius Jonker, were included in the team of match officials World Rugby announced for Rugby World Cup 2023 in France later this year.

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The 42-year-old Peyper, who has 61 Tests to his name and was appointed to handle the Heineken Champions Cup final in Dublin on 20 May, will referee at his third consecutive Rugby World Cup.

Jonker, 54, who has 30 Tests and 53 Test TMO appointments to his name, will be involved in his third Rugby World Cup tournament – one as referee and one as a TMO.

WORLD CUP REFEREES

Nika Amashukeli (Georgia), Wayne Barnes (England), Nic Berry (Australia), Andrew Brace (Ireland), Matthew Carley (England), Karl Dickson (England), Angus Gardner (Australia), Ben O’Keeffe (New Zealand), Luke Pearce (England), Jaco Peyper (South Africa), Mathieu Raynal (France), Paul Williams (New Zealand).

Assistant Referees: Chris Busby (Ireland), Pierre Brousset (France), James Doleman (New Zealand), Craig Evans (Wales), Andrea Piardi (Italy), Christophe Ridley (England), Jordan Way (Australia).

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TMOS: Brett Cronan (Australia), Tom Foley (England), Marius Jonker (South Africa), Brian MacNeice (Ireland), Joy Neville (Ireland), Brendon Pickerill (New Zealand), Ben Whitehouse (Wales).