"Leinster Retirement" Ireland Captain to Miss Rest of Season Through Injury
Rugby NewsMonday, 27 March 2023 at 15:53
Ireland and Leinster captain Johnny Sexton is set to miss the remainder of the United Rugby Championship season, due to a groin injury.
Sexton suffered the injury in the final round of the 2023 Six Nations, as Ireland's skipper led his side to securing the Grand Slam over England. This brings an early end to Sexton's Leinster career, as the fly half had planned to retire from the club at the end of the season.
Sexton's 2023 Rugby World Cup status is as yet unconfirmed. With their tournament kicking off against Romania on the 9th September, Ireland's evergreen talisman has little under 6 months to get back to full fitness for his swansong on the grandest stage.
CARDIFF, WALES - OCTOBER 11: Jonathan Sexton of Ireland looks dejected leaves the field injured during the 2015 Rugby World Cup Pool D match between France and Ireland at Millennium Stadium on October 11, 2015 in Cardiff, United Kingdom. (Photo by Richard Heathcote - World Rugby/World Rugby via Getty Images)
Leinster put out a statement on their official club website, regarding the 37-year-old's injury status.
"Johnny Sexton will see a specialist on Tuesday and have a procedure on the groin injury picked up in Ireland’s Guinness Six Nations game against England which will likely keep him side-lined for the remainder of the Leinster Rugby season."
The legendary fly half may need to undergo surgery, with his expected return being later than Leinster's schedule for the season. Sexton may have played his last game for his home-province, as the Dubliner is anticipated to retire from rugby following the 2023 Rugby World Cup.
Sexton has not played for his club since the New Year's Day victory over Connacht, and will be unfortunate to not have a devoted send off later come the end of the season.
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