'We lost, but we won' — Johnny Sexton bids farewell in retirement message

The Ireland skipper bows out as one of the country's most decorated players.

Thu, 26 Oct, 2023 - 16:11

Adrian Russell

Johnny Sexton has bowed of professional rugby with an emotional statement in which he says Andy Farrell's Ireland inspired the country.

The Leinster out-half played the last game of a glittering career in the narrow Rugby World Cup quarter-final defeat to the All Blacks in Paris.

Despite supporters' hopes he'd reverse his decision to hang up his boots, Sexton will now take up a commercial role with glass and metal firm, Ardagh Group.

Ireland, ranked No 1 heading into the tournament, topped their pool after impressive displays against Romania, Tonga, Scotland and South Africa, in front of massive travelling Irish crowds.

Sexton ends his career with 119 Ireland caps and a honours list which includes two Grand Slams, series wins in Australia and New Zealand and a World Rugby player of the year award.

"Retirement is never an easy next step for any professional athlete," the 38-year-old wrote on Instagram. "It is especially hard after the rollercoaster of emotions from the last few weeks in France.

"The sadness and frustration we couldn’t progress further remain, they will for a long time to come but the overarching feeling is the pride I felt playing with such a committed and talented group of players. The best group I have been lucky enough to be a part of……on and off the pitch. Leaving these players and these coaches is what is making retirement so tough.

"I’ve said it many times before but there’s no feeling like playing in front of a home Irish crowd and that’s what it felt like in Bordeaux, Nantes and in Paris on those three special Saturdays.

"I want to thank my teammates, both for Leinster and Ireland, for everything they have given to me. The last season was one of the most enjoyable of my career and it makes it even more special to do so with people you care about, friends who will stay a part of my life in the future.

"To all the teachers, coaches, support staff and all those who encouraged and supported my career starting out in Bective, St. Mary’s College, club and school, for over 30 years, thank you for everything. To the supporters of Leinster, Racing, the British & Irish Lions and Ireland - with whom I was proud to share my journey - thank you for your faith and unwavering support.

"To my family, my parents, brothers and sister who nurtured my love of the game and instilled my drive, I couldn’t have made this journey without you. Finally to my wife Laura and our children, your unconditional love helped inspire me through the ups and downs of life and I am incredibly excited about our next chapter together. By far my proudest moments were getting to play with my kids watching on.

"Four years ago we sat down as a squad and spoke about what we wanted to achieve. Our main motivation and objective was to inspire the nation. I think we achieved that. We lost, but we won."