Northern Ireland

'You're still the best dad' says Johnny Sexton's son after Ireland defeat to All-Blacks

Johnny Sexton is consoled by son Luca following Saturday's Irish defeat at the hands of New Zealand in Paris.
Johnny Sexton is consoled by son Luca following Saturday's Irish defeat at the hands of New Zealand in Paris.
By Paul Ainsworth

SATURDAY'S heartbreaking defeat by the All-Blacks has brought to an end both Ireland's Rugby World Cup dreams and the career of team captain Johnny Sexton.

Despite the loss, Sexton's career ends on a high note as Ireland's all-time leading points scorer - an honour he secured last month in a victory over Tonga - while an emotional on-pitch scene with his young son following Saturday's defeat will mean much more to him than that - being named "still the best dad" by his proud son Luca.

The heartwarming encounter between father and son was captured on camera and has been widely shared on social media.

New Zealand emerged as winners with a narrow 28-24 victory at the Stade de France in Paris, securing their place in the semi-final and leaving Irish fans distraught at yet another World Cup quarter-final defeat.

The Irish squad is now returning home with their next challenge ahead of them - replacing Johnny Sexton, who has captained the side since 2019.

The 38-year-old Dubliner said after the game there were no "fairytale endings" for his side, but he remained "very proud of the boys" he played alongside.

Read more:

  • New Zealand end Ireland's World Cup dreams as quarter-final curse continues
  • Andy Farrell believes spirit of outgoing Johnny Sexton can spur Ireland on
  • Johnny Sexton reflects on his career after Ireland's devastating World Cup exit

Speaking of Ireland's exit at the hands of three-time World Cup winners New Zealand, Sexton said his teammates left "no stone unturned" in their quest for victory and "ticked every box".

"They sucker-punched us on a few tries and that's what champion teams do," he said.

"We knew they were a great side and we fell just short unfortunately."

The outgoing captain said Ireland's campaign had been "amazing".

"This six weeks has been a dream - this group, these fans, and I'm just gutted we couldn't do it for them," he added.

“The last couple of years have definitely been, in a green jersey anyway, the most enjoyable of my career. Definitely,” said Sexton.

“The group, the way Faz (Farrell) leads us with the other coaches, everyone runs into camp and never wants to leave.

“It’s an incredible place to be and that’s what I’ll miss the most. Going to work every day with those guys, but I’m just grateful as well.

Sexton will retire after 117 caps for Ireland (Adam Davy/PA)

“You can’t be 38 and sit here giving out too much. I’ve had lots of ups and downs in my career, lots of injuries, so I’ll probably reflect more over the next couple of weeks, take time off and spend it with my family and see what happens.”

Paying tribute to Sexton, Ireland head coach Andy Farrell said he was "probably the best-ever player to play for Ireland".

He added: "The way that he’s conducted himself as a leader and as a player and the way that he’s shown the love of playing for Ireland will be remembered and connected to this group for many years to come."

In a post to X (formerly Twitter), the official account of the New Zealand side posted an image of the All-Blacks applauding the Irish squad as Sexton led them off the pitch, with the caption stating the captain was a "legend of the game".

They added: "You’ve had a stellar career, Johnny. Thank you for all the battles over the years."