Glittering career ends with tears for retiring Ireland captain Johnny SextonEd Elliot, PA, ParisTears were always likely when the end eventually came for the retiring captain Johnny Sexton. “It’s small margins and that’s sport,” Sexton said in the aftermath of Saturday evening’s agonising 28-24 loss to New Zealand. The 38-year-old stood hands on hips, head bowed on the Stade de France touchline at the full-time whistle after his fourth such World Cup exit – his nation’s eighth. The 2018 world player of the year’s record-breaking Ireland career began against Fiji back in 2009 and brought 118 caps and 1,108 points. Fast-forward to August and the fit-again Sexton was forced to watch from the stands as Ireland defeated Steve Borthwick’s side in a World Cup warm-up fixture.

Source: Irish Independent October 15, 2023 15:47 UTC