Ireland winger, Mack Hansen, has admitted that he cannot foresee Ireland's captain, Johnny Sexton, receiving a lengthy ban for his conduct in the Champions Cup Final in May.
Sexton is scheduled to attend a hearing on Thursday for a "misconduct complaint" lodged against him following his behavior towards match officials after Leinster's Champions Cup final defeat by La Rochelle on May 20.
Sexton was unable to participate in the game at the Aviva Stadium due to his ongoing recovery from a groin injury. However, following Leinster's narrow 27-26 defeat, he entered the pitch and engaged in what seemed to be a heated exchange with South African referee, Jaco Peyper, and other match officials.
The tournament organizer, European Professional Club Rugby (EPCR), has lodged misconduct complaints against Sexton and Leinster. These complaints stem from a comprehensive investigation and meticulous assessment of the player's conduct, as well as Leinster's failure to exert reasonable control over their captain.
Announcing the disciplinary proceedings, EPCR initially stated, "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 behavior 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 behavior) and Leinster (through failing to exercise reasonable control over Mr Sexton)."
Dublin , Ireland - 30 June 2023; Jonathan Sexton during Ireland rugby squad training at the IRFU High Performance Centre on the Sport Ireland Campus in Dublin. (Photo By Brendan Moran/Sportsfile via Getty Images)The 38-year-old is now set to appear via video conference call before an independent disciplinary panel chaired by Christopher Quinlan KC on July 13.
There had been speculation that Sexton would receive a 10-week ban, which would disrupt Ireland's preparation for the World Cup in France. Ireland's opening World Cup warm-up match is against Italy on August 5, followed by clashes later that month with England and Samoa.
Andy Farrell's side will then begin their World Cup campaign against Romania in Bordeaux on September 9, so a Sexton suspension would not be ideal for Ireland.
When asked about Sexton's potential fate, Connacht and Ireland winger Mack Hansen, speaking to The Irish Post last week, dismissed the idea that Sexton would receive a severe punishment from his hearing on Thursday.
"Yeah, well look he is Johnny Sexton, the best player in the world. Having him in a team is a massive plus, but I couldn't see things going sour, to be honest," said the Ireland winger. "It would just be a terrible thing for the game if they were to crucify him for a heat-of-the-moment thing."
If Sexton does indeed miss out on playing with Ireland, Hansen believes that Ireland has enough depth to cover Sexton's potential absence in France. The Connacht player cites the emerging talents of Sexton's Leinster teammate, Ciaran Frawley, and Munster starlet Jack Crowley as viable replacements for Sexton.
"You have seen Jack Crowley step massively in the United Rugby Championship. Ross Byrne has been playing unreal all year. Even Ciaran Frawley is there. There's plenty of competition in the 10 jersey. Things could go sour for Sexton, but to be honest, I really don't see it happening or going that way," added Hansen.
Hansen was speaking as an ambassador for rugby clothing giants Canterbury. The sports brand launched a new state-of-the-art lightweight boot. Weighing just 217g, the Speed Infinite Elites were released on July 6, and Hansen, along with England flyers Adam Radwan and Jodie Ounsley, got to test out the boot.
For more details on the new 'Speed Infinite Elites,' click here.
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