Johnny Sexton to face EPCR disciplinary board over Champions Cup conduct

The EPCR have confirmed that Ireland captain Johnny Sexton will appear before a disciplinary committee next month, in relation to his conduct after the Champions Cup final at the Aviva Stadium in May.

Misconduct complaints were brought against Sexton and Leinster by tournament organisers regarding his behaviour towards the match officials immediately after full-time in the final, which Leinster lost 27-26 to La Rochelle.

Sexton was seen remonstrating with referee Jaco Peyper, along with his fellow officials on the pitch after the game. The Leinster captain did not play in the final due to a groin injury which has kept him sidelined since March.

Both the player and the province have been summoned to appear before an independent disciplinary committee on 13 July, which will be almost eight weeks on from the Champions Cup final.

However, neither Sexton nor Leinster have been charged with misconduct as of yet, with the hearing to determine "whether any misconduct has been committed".

"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)," their statement reads.

"The complaints were referred to the Chairman of the Independent Disciplinary Panel, who has appointed Christopher Quinlan KC (England, Chair), Adam Casselden SC (Australia) and Marcello D'Orey (Portugal) as the independent Disciplinary Committee to hear the case and consider whether misconduct took