Johnny Sexton set for ban after verbally abusing SA ref Peyper

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

Last month, 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.

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According to reports, Leinster captain Sexton – who missed the match due to injury – was seen swearing at, and insulting, the match officials at full time.

A video obtained by Sunday newspaper Rapport shows Sexton hitting out at the match officials, apparently stating that they were a “f***ing disgrace”.

According to English publication City A.M., Sexton has now eventually been charged with three counts of misconduct for his behaviour.

The 37-year-old will now have to respond to the allegations, with the veteran flyhalf possibly set to receive a ban that could stretch as far as 10 weeks.

Sexton has previously been at the centre of displaying contempt for officials, and so it will be interesting to see whether this history could play a factor in a possible suspension.

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It remains to be seen what action will be taken against the Ireland international, particularly as Peyper was further away and apparently could not hear everything that was said.

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.

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A total of 26 Emirates Match Officials (12 referees, seven assistant referees and seven Television Match Officials) representing nine nations with more than 630 test appearances between them, will take charge of the 48 tournament matches. The selection has been made on merit.

In an experienced referee group, Wayne Barnes (England), holder of the most test appearances (102), will officiate in a fifth-straight Rugby World Cup in the country in which he debuted in 2007. Meanwhile, Nika Amashukeli will make history as the first Georgian to officiate at a Rugby World Cup.

Rugby World Cup 2017 final referee Joy Neville (Ireland) becomes the first woman to officiate at a men’s Rugby World Cup, taking her place as TMO. Fellow TMO Ben Whitehouse (Wales) will follow in the footsteps of his father Nigel, who was an assistant referee and TMO at RWC 2003.

The nine nations represented on the panel are Australia, England, France, Georgia, Ireland, Italy, New Zealand, South Africa and Wales, with a total of 453 tests among the 12 referees (eight have refereed at a RWC).

The appointments for the RWC pool phase will be announced after the completion of the Rugby Championship and Rugby World Cup preparation matches.

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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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TELEVISION MATCH OFFICIALS

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