18 October 2023 , 08:51
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Johnny Sexton's World Cup dream ended on Saturday night as Ireland were dumped out and the fly-half was visibly frustrated at full-time with comments made by Reiko Ioane.
The 38-year-old's outing at the weekend proved to be his last as New Zealand recorded a huge victory at the Stade de France, leaving the Irish players devastated. Within minutes of the full-time whistle Sexton was seen lamenting Ioane, who delivered a brutal message to the Leinster man.
Sexton had announced months ago that this season would be his last, for both club and country, with his sensational career coming to an end. Ioane took the opportunity to dig at the Irishman, who was quick to snap back at the All Black.
Ioane reportedly told Sexton: "Enjoy retirement and don't miss the flight home tomorrow". Sexton has never been one to shirk his words, landing himself in hot water after the European Cup final several months ago after Leinster's defeat to La Rochelle, and went back at the All Black.
Sexton was part of an Irish side that is widely regarded as one of, if not the, best team in their history having claimed Grand Slam glory earlier this year, which followed on from a first ever series victory in New Zealand, all of which the fly-half played a vital role in.
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He recently became Ireland's leading points scorer of all-time but leaves without ending Ireland's World Cup quarter-final hoodoo, having been also part of last eight exits in 2011, 2015 and 2019. His Leinster career also ended with him sidelined through injury as the Irish province continue to fall short in the big games despite their dominance.
The Ireland star's career ended on Saturday in ParisNew Zealand skipper Sam Cane was keen to pay tribute to the departing fly-half however as said: “He has been massively successful for Ireland. It is hard to say a lot about other players because there have been many players we have had to say goodbye to. We know how much it hurts, but when we reflect on his career, we see how great he has been for Ireland.
"He is great at decision-making, and he plays an outstanding game, and the fact that he has been playing at this level proves it. Congratulations on his outstanding career.”
Head coach Ian Foster echoed that sentiment as he added: “He’s been massively successful for them. If we hadn’t won, we would have a number of iconic players we would be saying goodbye to, too. They will have other players too finishing who would have targeted this tournament. Johnny has had a great career; he has done it all.”