"Banned at the very least..." - Johnny Sexton could be doubt for World Cup opener

At the Aviva Stadium, a heated incident occurred involving La Rochelle coach Ronan O'Gara, Leinster coach Sean O'Brien, and Leinster's club captain Sexton.

According to reports, O'Brien intervened in an attempt to prevent O'Gara from speaking with Peyper before tensions escalated.

Additionally, following the conclusion of the match, the Irish fly-half, Johnny Sexton, engaged in a 'heated' discussion with Peyper on the field.

One Twitter user wrote: "Sexton behaves disgracefully at times, petulant and abusive. He should get banned at the very least. This behaviour and attitude has crept into the Irish side over the last few years and it needs cutting out."

Another added: "We need to start a dialogue about Johnny Sexton’s behaviour. It’s now ON & OFF the Field. There seems to be zero consequences for his actions."

A third commented: "Go on. Ban Sexton before the World Cup. Nuclear Strike that players and coaches need for their attitude towards officials."

Planet Rugby scribe Jared Wright added: "From the reports and what I have been told, World Rugby should be imposing a ban on Sexton. They set a standard with Erasmus and they should be standing their ground now."

Could it be anybody else to start? Farrell fits the label “our guy” better than most, meaning you love to hate him unless he’s in your squad. Then you’d go to the end’s of the earth to defend him.

The England captain, also known as 'Shoulder boy' for his high tackling, does himself no favours with his poor tackling technique.

Although he's currently serving a two-match ban, the fact he often seems to get away with it doesn't help either.

The Saracens star went to school with England teammate George Ford

His education began in rugby league – he joined Wigan St Patricks at the age of eight

He became the youngest ever player to appear in English professional rugby, making his debut aged 17 and 11 days. This record was later beaten by schoolmate Ford

It’s well known that Owen is the son of Ireland head coach Andy Farrell. However, it’s less commonly know that his uncle Sean O’Loughlin is also a rugby league legend, winning 34 caps for Great Britain between 1993 and 2009

He was not at first registered as a Farrell, but took mum Colleen’s family name of O’Loughlin. The couple married in 1995, changing Owen’s surname to Farrell the following year.

A flanker that plays on the edge and never fails to get under the skin of opposition fans. His late hit on Stuart Hogg and foul-mouthed war of words with the Kyle Sinckler during the 2019 Six Nations did him no favours. The sort of player you love to have, but also love to hate.

The world Cup-winning lock is undoubtedly world-class, but he is also one of the dirtiest players in the sport. If your team has played against him, you will not be a fan. A proper sh**house, but huge biceps.

Biggar is the epitome of players you hate until they are on your team.The way the fly-half continues to moan to referees vociferously has seemingly only got worse throughout his career. It got so bad that popular online personality and diehard Scotland fan Glove39 made a video called ‘birdman’ mocking the way in which he always raises his arms in frustration to officials.

The expert in unsportsmanlike behavior. Sexton is skilled in exaggerating contact or distracting officials, knowing precisely when to employ his repertoire of underhanded tactics.

Yesterday, despite not being involved in the Champions Cup final, the Leinster club captain was seen approaching the match officials, wagging an admonishing finger in the direction of referee Jaco Peyper.

He also reportedly almost came to blows with former nemesis Ronan O'Gara at half-time.

His most recent example of on-field nouse came against Wales just last weekend. The yellow card handed to Liam Williams in the 65th minute for a high hit on Sexton took a while to come as it was reviewed from multiple angles by the officials.

Wales fans piled in on Sexton after the Williams sin-binning, with one writing: 'Sexton play acted a head injury. Blatant cheating.'

Another Wales fan vented: 'That Liam Williams yellow card shows why rugby will be dead in a few years – nothing wrong with Liams body shape and Sexton play acting sums up how rugby has drastically changed for the worse. It’s a mockery to the real injuries.'

Another commented on Sexton being seen winking after the card, and said that his behaviour would "destroy the spectacle that is International rugby"