Johnny Sexton's Long List of Enemy's: From All Black Antics to Ex-England Stars

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Ireland's former legendary fly-half Johnny Sexton is known for his competitive fire both on and off the field. Over the years, this intensity has led to several high-profile rivalries, disagreements, and run-ins with other players, coaches, and referees.

Here's a closer look at five figures in rugby who have reportedly clashed with Sexton.

Rieko Ioane

Sexton's rivalry with Rieko Ioane came to a head during the 2023 Rugby World Cup. Following Ireland's quarter-final loss to New Zealand, Ioane reportedly taunted Sexton, suggesting that it was time for him to retire.

The interaction didn't sit well with Sexton, who later criticised Ioane's behavior as hypocritical, especially in light of the All Blacks’ "no d***heads" policy. The exchange further fueled the tension between the two players and made headlines worldwide​

“After [referee Wayne] Barnes blows the final whistle, he [Ioane] says ‘don't miss your flight tomorrow. Enjoy your retirement, you [expletive].’ So much for the All Blacks' famous "no [expletive]" policy,” Sexton claims in his upcoming autobiography, Obsessed, serialised in the Sunday Times.

“So much for their humility. I walk after Ioane and call him a fake-humble [expletive].”

Over the course of his long career, Sexton’s temperament was often a point of discussion and he admits his reaction in defeat was somewhat unseemly.

“It doesn’t look great, me having a go at one of them just after we’ve lost,” Sexton says. “But I can't be expected to ignore that.”

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