“So much the worse for their humility”

Johnny Sexton has defended his outburst at Rieko Ioane following Ireland’s Rugby World Cup quarter-final defeat to New Zealand in his new book. Obsessed – The Autobiography of Johnny Sexton.

In the book, Sexton lifts the lid on his angry reaction, stating it was in response to Ioane’s own X-rated remark to the dispirited Irish full-time flyhalf. Ireland qualified for the 2023 World Cup ranked number one in the world and beat South Africa in the group stage before losing to New Zealand in the quarter-finals.

Sunday time published excerpts from the book this weekend, detailing the aftermath of the defeat and Sexton’s perspective on the incident.

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“I couldn’t bring myself to watch the quarter-final again. I don’t think I ever will. I don’t need it. I mentally replayed every second, over and over again. It ends the same way every time. Rónan Kelleher still goes for Brodie Retallick and Sam Whitelock. Whitelock goes for the poaching, clearly not letting up, but somehow Wayne Barnes awards him the penalty, even though it all happened under his nose – and it’s over.

“And as I stand there with my hands on my hips, looking at Barnes in disbelief, Rieko Ioane still comes up to me and says, “Go back ten meters. »

“Eh?

“Penalty,” he said. “Back ten.” And then, after Barnes blew the final whistle, he said, “Don’t miss your flight tomorrow.” Enjoy your retirement, asshole. So much for the All Blacks’ famous “no assholes” policy. So much for their humility. I walk after Ioane and call him a fake-humble asshole. Doesn’t seem great to try one of these right after losing. But I can’t be expected to ignore it.

“Later, I contacted Joe Schmidt to explain my behavior. Joe was part of the All Blacks coaching staff and that goes back a long way. Generally, he had been gracious in his victory that evening. He took the time to say nice things to Luca, on the pitch, shortly after the match. The Barrett brothers – Beauden, Scott and Jordie – were also true gentlemen, as was Ardie Savea, who had some nice words of consolation for me. I appreciated that.

Sexton also writes that he is “still convinced” that Ireland were the best team in the tournament. He also recognizes New Zealand’s well-directed efforts, crediting Schmidt’s influence in particular.

He also remembers his son Luca’s comforting words after the match, marking the start of his healing process.

“I struggled to contain my sadness afterwards, but the healing process began even while I was still on the pitch in Saint-Denis. The TV cameras were focused on me and Luca when he looked up and said, “You’re always the best, Dad.”

Obsessed, The Autobiography of Johnny Sexton is published by Penguin, Sandycove on October 10, priced £20/€25. Available for pre-order now