Johnny Sexton's suspension for misconduct in regards to the Champions Cup officiating team has finally been revealed, and it's been confirmed that Sexton will serve a three-game suspension.
The suspension rules the Ireland captain out of all three World Cup warm-ups, but he will be able to play a full role in Ireland's 2023 World Cup campaign.
It's far from ideal for Sexton - who hasn't played a minute of rugby since the Grand Slam decider against England on St Patrick's Day weekend.
Johnny Sexton suspension: it could be worse
But the drawn-out nature of this disciplinary process, coupled with some needless speculation for certain corners of the English media over the past month, felt ominous for Sexton and Ireland.
The Champions Cup final took place on 20 May; eight weeks later we finally have a resolution to this. The disciplinary hearing itself was held on Thursday and it's only this evening that the verdict has leaked to the media.
The suspension means Sexton will not be able to get a formal goodbye to the Aviva stadium crowd, and the England game in March was the last game he'll ever play on Irish soil.
Damien O'Meara of RTE tweeted the ruling below - a 36 page report on the disciplinary process was also published on Sunday evening.
The independent disciplinary hearing called for a six week ban for Sexton but reduced that to three weeks on mitigation.
BREAKING
Johnny Sexton to miss Ireland’s three Rugby World Cup warm up games after EPCR disciplinary hearing.
He and Leinster have the right to appeal @RTErugby @RTEsport pic.twitter.com/miQB2BShrt— Damien O'Meara (@damien_omeara) July 16, 2023
According to reports, Sexton and the EPCR has until Wednesday July 19 to appeal.
La Rochelle coach Ronan O'Gara issued a strong defence of Sexton's character speaking back in June.
Johnny's a competitor, a great guy, there shouldn't be a ban for Johnny. There shouldn't be! I'd be strong in that.
I didn't see any videos but I know the character very well, an insane competitor, maybe his temper flared over for a second or two but the guy is a role model in Irish rugby, in what he has done, I think people need to move on with it.
The ruling removes a cloud from over Ireland's World Cup preparation, and will make the warm-ups quite interesting indeed for deputy outhalves Jack Crowley and Ross Byrne. It also means there will be no managing Sexton's minutes at the World Cup and he'll surely have to start every group game in order to regain form.
