'We lost, but we won' - Johnny Sexton thanks support in retirement statement

Johnny Sexton says the "sadness and frustration" of Ireland's World Cup knock-out will stay with him for a long time as he released a statement on his retirement.

The captain, who in March 2022 announced he would step away from professional rugby at the end of the World Cup, hangs up his boots after winning 119 Ireland caps, six Lions caps and playing for Leinster 189 times.

Such was his form and fitness levels during the tournament in France, in which he started all five games, there was some speculation that he could opt to stay on for one more year.

But in a post in Instagram, he thanked those who had helped him in his career.

He is due to take up a position as a commercial manager with a glass and metal packaging firm.

"Retirement is never an easy next step for any professional athlete. It is especially hard after the rollercoaster of emotions from the last few weeks in France," wrote the 38-year-old, whose side lost 28-24 to New Zealand in the last-eight two weeks ago.

"The sadness and frustration we couldn't progress further remains, they will for a long time to come but the overarching feeling is the pride I felt playing with such a committed and talented group of players.

"The best group I have been lucky enough to be a part of……on and off the pitch. Leaving these players and these coaches is what is making retirement so tough.

"I’ve said it many times before but there’s no feeling like playing in front of a home Irish crowd and that’s what it felt like in Bordeaux, Nantes and in Paris on those three special Saturdays."

Sexton had two stints with Leinster between 2006 to 2023, either side of a spell at Racing 92 from 2013 to 2015.

He won the Champions Cup four times, the URC six times and the Challenge Cup with Leinster.