Leinster's Sexton to face panel over 'misconduct complaints' at Champions Cup final

Leinster flyhalf Johnny Sexton is to appear before an independent disciplinary panel on 13 July over "misconduct complaints" arising from last month's Champions Cup final, organisers EPCR said Thursday.

The 37-year-old Irish captain, with 113 caps to his name, is to retire from Test rugby after this year's Rugby World Cup in France, but risks a lengthy ban should he be found guilty of misconduct.

Sexton was injured for the 20 May final which La Rochelle won 27-26, but exchanged words with South African referee Jaco Peyper at the end of the match in Dublin.

The EPCR said the decision to proceed with a panel hearing had been made "after thorough fact finding and careful review of Johnny Sexton's behaviour towards match officials after the match".

"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)."