Johnny Sexton set to learn disciplinary fate on Thursday

Johnny Sexton faces a disciplinary hearing on Thursday that could see the outcome impact Ireland's World Cup preparations.

The Ireland captain had a misconduct complaint lodged against him following his behaviour towards match officials in the wake of Leinster’s Champions Cup final defeat by La Rochelle on 20 May.

Sexton did not play in the game at the Aviva Stadium due to his continued recovery from a groin injury, but he went on to the pitch after Leinster's 27-26 defeat and became involved in what appeared to be a heated exchange with South African referee Jaco Peyper and other match officials.

Tournament organiser European Professional Club Rugby submitted misconduct complaints against Sexton and Leinster following what it described as a "thorough fact-finding and careful review" of the player's actions, and also Leinster for not exercising reasonable control over their captain.

Sexton, who turned 38 on Tuesday, will appear by video conference call before an independent disciplinary panel chaired by Christopher Quinlan KC.

Ireland’s opening World Cup warm-up match is against Italy on 5 August, followed by appointments later that month with England and Samoa.

Their first World Cup game sees them tackle Romania in Bordeaux on 9 September, so a suspension for Sexton has potential to affect his availability.

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