Potential Johnny Sexton ban not affecting Ireland preparation - Garry Ringrose

If Johnny Sexton is worried about the possibility of serving a ban then he's not showing it, according to Garry Ringrose.

The Ireland captain will face a disciplinary committee on 13 July after a misconduct complaint was made against Sexton and Leinster regarding his behaviour following their Champions Cup final loss to La Rochelle in May.

Sexton, the club captain, was injured and did not play but was seen to remonstrate with the match officials on the pitch after the 27-26 defeat at the Aviva Stadium.

The out-half, who turns 38 next week, is currently in Ireland camp as the squad builds up towards World Cup warm-up games against Italy, England and Samoa next month.

Depending on the outcome of the hearing, Sexton could possibly miss out on a home send-off with the first two games taking place in Dublin before Ireland go on the road. He will retire following the World Cup.

"I don't think so," said team-mate Ringrose when asked if the potential ban hanging over Sexton was casting a shadow over the squad.

"He's certainly training as hard as ever and getting the most out of everyone around him.

"Nothing's changed from that perspective but I don't know is the honest answer but hopefully it's all right."

The Dubliner hasn't played since Ireland’s final Grand Slam match against England in March when he went off with a groin injury that later required surgery but Sexton’s wealth of experience – 119 Test caps including six for the Lions – will stand to him, reckons Ringrose, who says the former Racing 92 man is well used to slotting back in after long spells out.

The 28-year-old, speaking as an ambassador for the National Dairy Council, said: "He has an unbelievable gift that whatever challenge seems to be thrown at him he deals with it