Johnny Sexton Directs Sharp ‘Good People’ Remark at Rieko Ioane Before Leinster Transition
Johnny Sexton, the former Ireland star, emphasized the significant responsibility facing Rieko Ioane as he joins Leinster on a six-month deal. Ioane, a New Zealand international, will be in Dublin for the entirety of the 2025/26 northern hemisphere season, similar to Jordie Barrett’s previous sabbatical with the Irish province. This decision has sparked controversy, particularly due to the strained relationship between Ioane and Sexton.
Background of the Feud
The tension between Sexton and Ioane began after the Rugby World Cup quarter-final, where New Zealand emerged victorious with a score of 28-24. Following the match, Ioane made remarks directed at Sexton, prompting a heated response from the outgoing Irish playmaker. This exchange escalated when Sexton later detailed his perspective in his autobiography, deepening the divide.
As a result of these events, Ioane faced some backlash during the All Blacks’ match against Ireland at Aviva Stadium in 2024, which saw him met with boos from the crowd.
Sexton’s Expectations for Ioane
Since the announcement of Ioane’s signing, Sexton has been relatively reserved in his comments. However, he did share insights on what is expected from the new centre. Sexton highlighted the importance of character in the team, stating that previous foreign players at Leinster have been “good people.” He underscored the impact foreign players like Isa Nacewa and Brad Thorn have had on the team dynamics and values.
- Isa Nacewa: Key influence on Sexton and Leinster’s culture.
- Brad Thorn: Significant contributor to team values.
“It’s a big responsibility he’s got,” Sexton noted, emphasizing that Ioane needs to uphold the standards set by those who came before him. He acknowledged his separation from the team’s current activities, stating, “I’ve nothing to do with Leinster anymore.”
Sexton’s Transition to Coaching
Since retiring, Sexton has transitioned into a coaching role within the Ireland men’s setup, including various age-grade teams. He was part of the national team’s November campaign, where Ireland won two out of four matches against Japan and Australia. However, they suffered significant defeats against the All Blacks and Springboks, indicating a decline in their performance since the 2023 World Cup.
Challenges Ahead
Sexton expressed concerns regarding the experience lost from the squad over the past two years, as approximately 600 caps worth of experience have exited the team. He noted the evolving expectations for the remaining players, who are now expected to step up as leaders.
As Leinster prepares for the future, the integration of Ioane and the leadership provided by veterans will be crucial for the team’s success.
