Johnny Sexton gets three-match ban but cleared to play World Cup

Johnny Sexton will be free to captain Ireland at the Rugby World Cup despite being handed a three-match ban.

However, the 38-year-old fly-half will miss the warm-up matches against Italy, England and Samoa after admitting a European Professional Club Rugby misconduct charge following Leinster’s Heineken Champions Cup final defeat by La Rochelle on May 20.

Leinster have been fined £7,500 (€8,750) for not exercising reasonable control over their player.

An independent disciplinary committee statement said: “Having regard to the full circumstances of the misconduct and the mitigation which is set out in detail in the written reasons, the disciplinary committee concluded that the appropriate and proportionate sanction was an immediate suspension of three matches. He is suspended with immediate effect and cannot play in the following Ireland matches: 1. August 5, Italy; 2. August 19, England; 3. August 26, Samoa.

“He is free to play on August 27 2023.”