Ireland icon Johnny Sexton has expressed surprise at the response to an extract from his autobiography, where he detailed a heated exchange with All Blacks star Rieko Ioane.
In his book, Obsessed, the former Ireland captain revealed that Ioane taunted him after New Zealand’s 2023 Rugby World Cup quarter-final win, saying, “Don’t miss your flight tomorrow. Enjoy your retirement, you c–t.”
The Kiwi centre has since fired back at Sexton with a cheeky social media post.
The Irish flyhalf was criticised for his reaction during the game, but he insists the book’s intention was to provide context.
“I do care about what people think, especially teammates or people in your country,” Sexton told BBC Rugby Union Weekly. “But I was a bit shocked by the reaction.
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“I toyed with taking it out, but the reason for putting it in was just to explain what happened. It wasn’t to kick up a fuss or sell books.”
Sexton clarified that his decision wasn’t meant to cause controversy. “I didn’t think badly of Ioane over it. What happened in the heat of battle – I’ve done plenty of things.”
On The Good, The Bad and the Rugby podcast, Sexton admitted the media focus on the exchange was overwhelming. “There was a big storm about that, which is never nice. I don’t want a tit-for-tat. It’s just to explain what happened.”
When asked if he could one day share a joke or handshake with Ioane, Sexton responded, “I’d have no problem. But if he’s putting it up on social media, I don’t think he’d be too interested.”
Photo: Emmanuel Dunand/AFP
