All the talking points and biggest moments from Johnny Sexton’s EPCR hearing

Patrick McCarry

Once more unto the disciplinary breach, dear friends…

Johnny Sexton is in front of a disciplinary panel today after having a misconduct complaint lodged against him, concerning his actions during and after the Champions Cup final.

The Ireland captain missed that cup final loss to La Rochelle but was said to be involved in a half-time tunnel flare-up, at Aviva Stadium, then twice picked up on camera trying to approach match referee Jaco Peyper and his officials. Should Sexton be found guilty of misconduct – for the post-match incidents – he could face a ban that would affect Ireland’s World Cup preparations. A worst-case scenario would be him missing one or more RWC games.

Follow our live feed on the Johnny Sexton hearing and check out all the big talking points and reactions RIGHT HERE and click on a key point if something catches your eye:

Iain Henderson on Johnny Sexton hearing

Announcing the disciplinary, EPCR said: “Misconduct complaints against the Leinster Rugby player, Johnny Sexton, and against Leinster Rugby, arising from the Heineken Champions Cup final on Saturday May 20 2023, have been lodged by EPCR.

‘After thorough fact-finding and careful review of Johnny Sexton’s behaviour towards match officials after the match, in accordance with EPCR regulations, the EPCR disciplinary officer has submitted misconduct complaints so that an independent disciplinary panel can determine whether any misconduct has been committed by Mr Sexton (through his behaviour) and Leinster (through failing to exercise reasonable control over Mr Sexton).’

We caught up with Ireland lock, and Ulster captain, Iain Henderson at the World Cup jersey launch and he admitted the hearing has Johnny Sexton ‘probably been a huge stress’ for the veteran outhalf.

"It's probably been a huge stress for Johnny." – Ireland lock Iain Henderson on Sexton's upcoming EPCR misconduct hearing

Henderson was speaking at the launch of the new Ireland and Canterbury World Cup jerseys ☘🏆 pic.twitter.com/E11xBkqP22

— SportsJOE (@SportsJOEdotie) July 13, 2023

Ireland kick off their World Cup preparations against Italy, then face England, before facing Samoa in France. After that, Andy Farrell is expected to confirm his 33-man squad.