A Storied Captains’ Fall: Johnny Sexton’s Alleged Tirade and Jaco Peyper’s Rise to Rugby World Cup

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The Rugby world is currently buzzing with news about two players whose fortunes couldn’t be any more different. Johnny Sexton, the Irish veteran flyhalf and esteemed captain of Leinster, is facing allegations of misconduct. Meanwhile, South African referee Jaco Peyper has been selected for the Rugby World Cup 2023 in France.

Sexton’s Alleged Misconduct

Last month, Leinster suffered a shocking defeat against La Rochelle in the Champions Cup. Sexton, who was absent due to injury, allegedly verbally attacked the match officials after the game. Reports suggest that Sexton hurled derogatory remarks at the officials, even going as far as calling them a “f***ing disgrace.” A video obtained by Sunday newspaper, Rapport, corroborates these claims. City A.M. has reported that Sexton is facing three counts of misconduct and could be banned for up to 10 weeks.

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Peyper’s Selection for Rugby World Cup

In contrast, South African referee Jaco Peyper’s fortunes are on the rise. Peyper has been selected for the Rugby World Cup 2023 in France, along with Marius Jonker, also from South Africa. This will be Peyper’s third consecutive Rugby World Cup, while Jonker will be experiencing his third tournament, having served as a referee and a TMO in previous editions.

Diverse Group of Officials

The Rugby World Cup 2023’s match official contingent comprises 26 Emirates Match Officials from nine nations, bringing a cumulative experience of over 630 test appearances. The officials include 12 referees, seven assistant referees, and seven Television Match Officials. The merit-based selection also features accomplished referees such as England’s Wayne Barnes and the first Georgian match official, Nika Amashukeli.

Joy Neville from Ireland has been selected as the first woman to officiate at a men’s Rugby World Cup, taking up the role of TMO. This diverse group of officials represents Australia, England, France, Georgia, Ireland, Italy, New Zealand, South Africa, and Wales. Collectively, the 12 referees have 453 tests under their belts, with eight having refereed at a Rugby World Cup.

Pool Phase Appointments

The appointments for the Rugby World Cup pool phase will be announced following the conclusion of the Rugby Championship and Rugby World Cup preparation matches.

While the drama surrounding Sexton’s alleged misconduct unfolds, the Rugby community is also celebrating the inclusion of diverse and groundbreaking officials such as Neville and Amashukeli. With Peyper standing tall among the match officials, the stage is set for an eventful Rugby World Cup 2023 in France, while Sexton’s fate remains uncertain.

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Hannah Kriel is a Cape Town-born journalist who chronicles the city’s evolving food scene—from Bo-Kaap spice routes to Constantia vineyards—for local and international outlets. When she’s not interviewing chefs or tracking the harvest on her grandparents’ Stellenbosch farm, you’ll find her surfing the Atlantic breaks she first rode as a schoolgirl.

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