The former Ireland captain discusses his career and the emotional toll of the recent quarter-final match

Johnny Sexton, the former captain of the Ireland rugby team, candidly reflects on his final match as a professional athlete, a gripping quarter-final defeat to New Zealand in the 2023 Rugby World Cup. In a recent interview, Sexton shared his thoughts on the intense emotions surrounding the match and the memories that linger from his illustrious career.

Revisiting his first Test encounter with England’s Chris Ashton back in 2011, Sexton recalled a pivotal moment at the Aviva Stadium. Thirteen minutes into the game, he spotted a gap in the visiting team’s defence and made a break for it. However, Ashton swiftly intervened, wrapping his arms around Sexton’s neck to bring him down. “You tried to take my head off!” Sexton joked when they reunited this month. Despite the rough play, Sexton went on to kick a penalty, helping Ireland secure a 24-8 victory and earning the man of the match award.

That memorable match is just one highlight from Sexton’s remarkable career, which included 124 Test caps for Ireland and the British and Irish Lions. Having retired following the heart-wrenching 28-24 loss to New Zealand, Sexton joined Ashton and host Chris Jones for a special Rugby Union Weekly podcast to reflect on his journey.

Sexton’s last game was a nail-biting encounter that showcased the grit and determination of both teams. With Ireland trailing by four points in the 71st minute, they executed a series of plays that led to a thrilling near-try. Replacement hooker Ronan Kelleher broke off the back of a driving maul, heading for the line, but was thwarted by New Zealand’s Jordie Barrett, who made a remarkable defensive play. “I had my hands in the air like we’re gonna score. It was an unbelievable piece of play by Jordie Barrett to get himself under a hooker,” Sexton recounted, visibly emotional. “Why was he even there in the first place? There are lots of moments in there that you could wish you could take back, but it was an amazing game.”

As he navigates the aftermath of the World Cup, Sexton admits to replaying the match in his mind countless times. “I try and view my career as a collective thing because I know if I think about the World Cup by itself, I’ll go mental,” he stated. “I’ve not watched it back, but I have watched it in my head about a million times. I’ve thought about it a lot.”

In his recently released autobiography, Obsessed, Sexton also opened up about a controversial moment following the quarter-final match. He had a brief confrontation with All Black Rieko Ioane, who teased him about his impending retirement. Sexton expressed surprise at the reaction this incident garnered, clarifying, “I didn’t do it to kick things off… I don’t really mind that it [the confrontation] happened, you know. It was just me explaining why I reacted as I did.”

Reflecting on his storied career and the challenges of the World Cup, Sexton’s insights reveal the pressures and passions that come with being an elite athlete. As Ireland continues to strive for success on the global stage, the echoes of Sexton’s legacy will undoubtedly inspire future generations of players.

While Ireland remains on the hunt for their first semi-final appearance in a Rugby World Cup, Sexton’s journey serves as a poignant reminder of the emotional highs and lows that accompany the sport. With a mix of pride and disappointment, Sexton moves forward, forever etched in the annals of Irish rugby history.