Johnny Sexton to Racing

by Portnoy's Complaint Fri 25 Jan 2013, 1:39 pm

http://www.espnscrum.com/ireland/rugby/story/176079.html - confirmed by Auntie.

by pete (buachaill on eirne) Fri 25 Jan 2013, 1:42 pm

Philip Browne, IRFU Chief Executive said: “We are very disappointed, as we know the Irish rugby public will be, that Johnny Sexton will not be playing his rugby full time in Ireland from next season.

"Johnny is a major talent and his full time presence in Ireland will be missed, particularly by Leinster. We wish Johnny continued success with his career and he will receive all the support he needs over the next number of weeks in what we know was a very difficult decision for him.

“While we remained in the fight right up until the last possible moment to keep Johnny in Ireland with a very strong offer, ultimately, following negotiations with the player’s agent, we had no option but to take the decision that it would not be in the best interest of Irish rugby to chase the reported financial incentives being offered.

“The IRFU has made a commitment to, and been largely successful in, keeping as many Irish players as possible playing full time in Ireland. However, we have always recognised that some of our players will be targeted by overseas clubs with offers which, quite simply, are not within our orbit.

“While Johnny has made the decision to move on to a new club, the IRFU is fully committed, together with the provinces, to maintaining its programme of nurturing and retaining Irish rugby talent. We feel that the benefits of the careful and considered management of those players will allow us to maintain this policy."

Leinster Coach Joe Schmidt said, “Naturally, I’m disappointed. I’ve really enjoyed Johnny’s input over the last few years and he has added tremendous value to the Leinster environment both on and off the field. The offer he has received is exceptional, even by French standards, but I know that it was still a tough decision for him.”

by debaters1 Fri 25 Jan 2013, 1:45 pm

Hmmmmm. It'll be interesting what happens for the November internationals. I think Paddy Jackson may be in line for his first start against a top flight side. We shall see.

by 1F'sgonnagetya! Fri 25 Jan 2013, 2:07 pm

As an Irishman I'm very disappointed so God knows how Leinster fans are feeling!

Chin up boys in blue, Madigan will see you through hopefully.

Wonder if this'll affect his Ireland game time?

by Luckless Pedestrian Fri 25 Jan 2013, 2:16 pm

The big surprise for me is that they've chosen to announce the move the week before the Six Nations kicks off. Sexton is key to Ireland; why run the risk of unsettling him by going public?

by Dave. Fri 25 Jan 2013, 2:18 pm

by Sin é Fri 25 Jan 2013, 2:20 pm

Its a good time actually - everyone will have forgotten about it by this time next week.

by Luckless Pedestrian Fri 25 Jan 2013, 2:21 pm

It still seems unnecessary to me. Couldn't it have waited?

by Kingshu Fri 25 Jan 2013, 2:24 pm

Sure if they had waited, we'd have said why didn't they annonce it, instead of having the rumours unsettling the team.

Better out in the open.

by Luckless Pedestrian Fri 25 Jan 2013, 2:27 pm

Fair enough.

by Sin é Fri 25 Jan 2013, 2:27 pm

Luckless Pedestrian wrote:It still seems unnecessary to me. Couldn't it have waited?

Blame Johnny's agent (Fintan Drury). He likes to try and enlist the help of the press to aid in negotiations. Most players have signed before you hear anything about it.

by Golden Fri 25 Jan 2013, 2:31 pm

Anyone know how big the contract is?

by Jimpy Fri 25 Jan 2013, 2:34 pm

Golden wrote:Anyone know how big the contract is?

Be on A4 I expect.

by BelfastDickVet Fri 25 Jan 2013, 2:34 pm

BBC are saying £625 000.

by Scrumdown Fri 25 Jan 2013, 2:35 pm

Nevermind Ireland, I'd be interested to know who will be playing 10 for France in a few years time. Johnny sexton, james hook, luke mcallister, johnny wilkinson, brock james. None of the top french clubs have a french number 10.

St Andre also reported recently that on one weekend of action in the top 14 there was only one winger playing who was french qualified and only one tight head prop.

On another point, shouldn't the affected unions take a tougher stance on the french clubs and demand that they be compensated financially for producing their players (whether they are under contract or out of contract).

by Luckless Pedestrian Fri 25 Jan 2013, 2:38 pm

Scrumdown, Dmitri Yachvili raised the same concerns in an article in Rugby World a few months ago.

by yappysnap Fri 25 Jan 2013, 2:46 pm

I imagine all of those clubs do have talented youngsters coming through who are learning from the stars in front of them.

Really surprised by this but then money talks in the pro game, does this ruin his Irish tax break thing?

by Gibson Fri 25 Jan 2013, 2:48 pm

Jimpy wrote:
Golden wrote:Anyone know how big the contract is?

Be on A4 I expect.

by LeinsterFan4life Fri 25 Jan 2013, 2:49 pm

yappysnap wrote:I imagine all of those clubs do have talented youngsters coming through who are learning from the stars in front of them.

Really surprised by this but then money talks in the pro game, does this ruin his Irish tax break thing?

I doubt he cares about a tax break if your earning around a million a year (sky sports says he's getting near 2 mill a year, doubt thats true though). Tax breaks aren't enough to keep players in the country anymore.

by Guest Fri 25 Jan 2013, 2:49 pm

Is this the start of a trickle of Irish players across the channel ? Gatland stated he wouldn't pick players outside Wales and promptly had to eat his words....

The French money on the back if their TV deals, sponsorship, no stadia costs and wealthy benefactors is unbeatable combination, currently....

I wonder if Barkley will come back to Bath upon Sextons arrival!

by Gibson Fri 25 Jan 2013, 3:05 pm

LeinsterFan4life wrote:
yappysnap wrote:I imagine all of those clubs do have talented youngsters coming through who are learning from the stars in front of them.

Really surprised by this but then money talks in the pro game, does this ruin his Irish tax break thing?
I doubt he cares about a tax break if your earning around a million a year (sky sports says he's getting near 2 mill a year, doubt thats true though). Tax breaks aren't enough to keep players in the country anymore.

No, he can still avail of that if/when he finishes his career in and with Ireland. Although his time with Ireland is minimal so far... sooo. Take the millions Johnny lad.

I wonder did he get advice from Wilko and/or Felipe on this? Be just the men go to for advice.

I´m delighted for him. He´s done it all club-wise. This was the next logical step for him. It will only improve him as a player and as a man. And hes got the lot in spades already. Its the Leinster Way rearing.

Great tribute but I'd turn the shoite musak down roysh. Sad

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0SwvIzgKO1U

by Ulsterexile Fri 25 Jan 2013, 3:34 pm

My dilemma is if he's isn't available for Ireland or DK goes by his word and doesn't pick overseas players who do we start. Do we throw PJ in at the deepend or start ROG with the intention of bringing PJ on at some point. Or will we seethe likes of PJ and Ian K on the bench with them getting serious game time

by LeinsterFan4life Fri 25 Jan 2013, 3:36 pm

Ulsterexile wrote:My dilemma is if he's isn't available for Ireland or DK goes by his word and doesn't pick overseas players who do we start. Do we throw PJ in at the deepend or start ROG with the intention of bringing PJ on at some point. Or will we seethe likes of PJ and Ian K on the bench with them getting serious game time

Dont forget Madigan who outplayed PJ up at ravers.

by asoreleftshoulder Fri 25 Jan 2013, 3:38 pm

Ulsterexile wrote:My dilemma is if he's isn't available for Ireland or DK goes by his word and doesn't pick overseas players who do we start. Do we throw PJ in at the deepend or start ROG with the intention of bringing PJ on at some point. Or will we seethe likes of PJ and Ian K on the bench with them getting serious game time

Huh when did he say that?

by **rodders** Fri 25 Jan 2013, 3:44 pm

asoreleftshoulder wrote:
Ulsterexile wrote:My dilemma is if he's isn't available for Ireland or DK goes by his word and doesn't pick overseas players who do we start. Do we throw PJ in at the deepend or start ROG with the intention of bringing PJ on at some point. Or will we seethe likes of PJ and Ian K on the bench with them getting serious game time

Huh when did he say that?

It's official IRFU policy to prefer homebased players where possible, thats why we have central contracts. Sexton won't be available outside IRB windows so is unlikely to be involved to the same extent.

Bowes case was different because Ospreys allowed him to attend all the camps.

by Gibson Fri 25 Jan 2013, 3:46 pm

LeinsterFan4life wrote:
Ulsterexile wrote:My dilemma is if he's isn't available for Ireland or DK goes by his word and doesn't pick overseas players who do we start. Do we throw PJ in at the deepend or start ROG with the intention of bringing PJ on at some point. Or will we seethe likes of PJ and Ian K on the bench with them getting serious game time
Dont forget Madigan who outplayed PJ up at ravers.

Now that Madigan has free reign at Leinster, its just a matter of time. Puurfekt.

by asoreleftshoulder Fri 25 Jan 2013, 3:52 pm

rodders wrote:
asoreleftshoulder wrote:
Ulsterexile wrote:My dilemma is if he's isn't available for Ireland or DK goes by his word and doesn't pick overseas players who do we start. Do we throw PJ in at the deepend or start ROG with the intention of bringing PJ on at some point. Or will we seethe likes of PJ and Ian K on the bench with them getting serious game time

Huh when did he say that?

It's official IRFU policy to prefer homebased players where possible, thats why we have central contracts. Sexton won't be available outside IRB windows so is unlikely to be involved to the same extent.

Bowes case was different because Ospreys allowed him to attend all the camps.

Yeah but preferring home based players is not the same thing as not picking overseas players.

by maestegmafia Fri 25 Jan 2013, 3:52 pm

It starts here...!

Eventually all the top players will be playing in France.

by Sin é Fri 25 Jan 2013, 3:54 pm

rodders wrote:
asoreleftshoulder wrote:
Ulsterexile wrote:My dilemma is if he's isn't available for Ireland or DK goes by his word and doesn't pick overseas players who do we start. Do we throw PJ in at the deepend or start ROG with the intention of bringing PJ on at some point. Or will we seethe likes of PJ and Ian K on the bench with them getting serious game time

Huh when did he say that?

It's official IRFU policy to prefer homebased players where possible, thats why we have central contracts. Sexton won't be available outside IRB windows so is unlikely to be involved to the same extent.

Bowes case was different because Ospreys allowed him to attend all the camps.

Sexton might have made that as part of the deal as well. Its not as if Racing don't have a rake of outhalfs that can cover for him.

Deccie must be staying on as I doubt if he would chance that a new coach would be happy if he only got the IRB regulated time though.

by **rodders** Fri 25 Jan 2013, 4:17 pm

Sin it was reported that he won't be available in the media reports. Just duroing IRB windows.

by Scrumpy Fri 25 Jan 2013, 4:23 pm

Good for him.
Who can blame him for taking the money whiles his young enough to enjoy it, his won it all with Leinster and needs a new challenge.

by ReadBetweenthePosts Fri 25 Jan 2013, 4:30 pm

I think in order to prevent an exodus of Irish players to France, Sexton needs to be dropped when he moves.

They should take a hard line approach should be taken to show no one is bigger than the union, and if you want to play for Ireland you play in Ireland.

by brennomac Fri 25 Jan 2013, 4:41 pm

ReadBetweenthePosts wrote:I think in order to prevent an exodus of Irish players to France, Sexton needs to be dropped when he moves.

They should take a hard line approach should be taken to show no one is bigger than the union, and if you want to play for Ireland you play in Ireland.

By that reasoning, Tommy Bowe shouldn't have played for Ireland for the four years he was with Ospreys. As long as Sexton has a proper release clause in his contract with RM then I've no problem with him being starting 10.

by Kingshu Fri 25 Jan 2013, 4:42 pm

There was never a policy of not picking overseas players. Its a myth.

A player in Ireland will be able to attend all the training camps, coaches can keep an eye on them better, their fitness is designed to peak for international windows, not end of league and play offs, and coaches can work with them when they want.

If you had two players of the same skill level One in Ireland player A and one outside Ireland player B, and both were identical,
would you pick player A, who has attended all the training camps, team building excerises, knows all the drills, defensive patterns, has been rested during the season, etc etc
or
Player B who is only released for IRB windows.

You'd pick player A, as he would be better prepared to play for Ireland.

Now say player B was slighlty better than player A, you would still pick Player A as altough he is less skillfull, he would be better prepared to do a better job for Ireland.

So saying that while there isn't a policy of not selecting oversea's players, the player oversea's would have to be significantly better than the Irish based player in his position, to offset his missed time with the squad.
Bowe and Murphy feel into this grouping previously. Downey and Wilson etc were not significantly better than the Irish based player in their position and hence lost out.

by ReadBetweenthePosts Fri 25 Jan 2013, 5:02 pm

brennomac wrote:
ReadBetweenthePosts wrote:I think in order to prevent an exodus of Irish players to France, Sexton needs to be dropped when he moves.

They should take a hard line approach should be taken to show no one is bigger than the union, and if you want to play for Ireland you play in Ireland.

By that reasoning, Tommy Bowe shouldn't have played for Ireland for the four years he was with Ospreys. As long as Sexton has a proper release clause in his contract with RM then I've no problem with him being starting 10.

If he had a release clause to attend Irish camp, I might relax my view on it, but it's being reported that he doesn't, and the french clubs too like make release of players outside of the IRB windows difficult.

You only need to look as far as Wales to see what happens when the floodgates open. Gatland had threatened that if players were to leave it would affect their selection for the national team, but when he continued to select the overseas players, others picked up sticks and moved too, knowing their place in the national team was likely to be safe.

by yappysnap Fri 25 Jan 2013, 5:08 pm

Just think he'll be able to come back to Leinster in 6 years time for one final HC run with them and help guide them to the final in a fairy tale ending

by pete (buachaill on eirne) Fri 25 Jan 2013, 5:10 pm

I understand why he went

1- short profession he needs to make the most of it
2- travel is something most want to do
3- he needs a new domestic challenge which is common in sports people

by ME-109 Fri 25 Jan 2013, 5:21 pm

No loss. Madigan has all the makings of a fine OH and will be Irish No.1 soon enough.

by Brendan Fri 25 Jan 2013, 5:24 pm

I think that this is good for Ireland esp if the JJ, Jackson and Madigan are all starting at Flyhalf each week at home.

It will be interesting to see how madigan does as the main man. Lets not forget that Sexon only got in the team because of a serious case of injuries. So I think Madigan will be able to step up fine.

by thomh Fri 25 Jan 2013, 5:26 pm

Recwatcher wrote:
I wonder if Barkley will come back to Bath upon Sextons arrival!

Unlikely if Ford's move goes through.

by LeinsterFan4life Fri 25 Jan 2013, 5:27 pm

pete (buachaill on eirne) wrote:I understand why he went

1- short profession he needs to make the most of it
2- travel is something most want to do
3- he needs a new domestic challenge which is common in sports people

A domestic challenge is definately what he is going to get. Racing are 9th in the top 14, are they even going to be in the HC next year?

by **rodders** Fri 25 Jan 2013, 5:32 pm

pete (buachaill on eirne) wrote:I understand why he went

1- short profession he needs to make the most of it
2- travel is something most want to do
3- he needs a new domestic challenge which is common in sports people
4- Deccie and ROG hate him

+1

by Feckless Rogue Fri 25 Jan 2013, 5:37 pm

I read 750k per year. Does this make him just about the highest paid player in the game? He's won 3 HC's with Leinster. What else is there to achieve for him here? This move financially secures him for the foreseeable future and the upside is Madigan will be first choice for Leinster hopefully.

French teams signing our top players is inevitable. The wealth difference is too large. The sharks have been circling for years. It's amazing none have gone before this for the money on offer. It's annoying but a fact of life for all rugby nations. I just hope Ireland can be a country that can export players of this quality and still have provinces that can compete to be the best in Europe.

Look at the conveyor belts of talent that are New Zealand and South Africa. That's what we have to aim for.

I have say I'm devastated though. What a brilliant player for Leinster. I bloody hate the French "Man Cities", throwing money around trying to buy glory. They'll ruin rugby in the end.

by pete (buachaill on eirne) Fri 25 Jan 2013, 5:49 pm

He will come back. Simple as. He will come back to Leinster after the World Cup I'd guess.

by Guest Fri 25 Jan 2013, 6:31 pm

Lets see how Roberts plays with Sexton running the show

by Pete C (Kiwireddevil) Fri 25 Jan 2013, 6:36 pm

Feckless Rogue wrote:I read 750k per year. Does this make him just about the highest paid player in the game? He's won 3 HC's with Leinster. What else is there to achieve for him here? This move financially secures him for the foreseeable future and the upside is Madigan will be first choice for Leinster hopefully.

French teams signing our top players is inevitable. The wealth difference is too large. The sharks have been circling for years. It's amazing none have gone before this for the money on offer. It's annoying but a fact of life for all rugby nations. I just hope Ireland can be a country that can export players of this quality and still have provinces that can compete to be the best in Europe.

Look at the conveyor belts of talent that are New Zealand and South Africa. That's what we have to aim for.

I have say I'm devastated though. What a brilliant player for Leinster. I bloody hate the French "Man Cities", throwing money around trying to buy glory. They'll ruin rugby in the end.

Jaque Fourie, SBW and others are on more than £1m a season in Japan, but Sexton's £620k compares pretty well with the £500k that Perpignan paid Dan Carter for his 20* game stint in 2008/09

*Well it was supposed to be 20 games before DC got injured in the 5th match - so they wound up paying him £100k a game. Of course Perpignan won the Top14 that season, so I dare say they're not massively upset in hindsight.

by Morgannwg Fri 25 Jan 2013, 7:05 pm

Pete C (Kiwireddevil) wrote:
Feckless Rogue wrote:I read 750k per year. Does this make him just about the highest paid player in the game? He's won 3 HC's with Leinster. What else is there to achieve for him here? This move financially secures him for the foreseeable future and the upside is Madigan will be first choice for Leinster hopefully.

French teams signing our top players is inevitable. The wealth difference is too large. The sharks have been circling for years. It's amazing none have gone before this for the money on offer. It's annoying but a fact of life for all rugby nations. I just hope Ireland can be a country that can export players of this quality and still have provinces that can compete to be the best in Europe.

Look at the conveyor belts of talent that are New Zealand and South Africa. That's what we have to aim for.

I have say I'm devastated though. What a brilliant player for Leinster. I bloody hate the French "Man Cities", throwing money around trying to buy glory. They'll ruin rugby in the end.

Jaque Fourie, SBW and others are on more than £1m a season in Japan, but Sexton's £620k compares pretty well with the £500k that Perpignan paid Dan Carter for his 20* game stint in 2008/09

*Well it was supposed to be 20 games before DC got injured in the 5th match - so they wound up paying him £100k a game. Of course Perpignan won the Top14 that season, so I dare say they're not massively upset in hindsight.

I read over 750k for Sexton, the IRFU could only offer 450k. Shows where his loyalty lies, 450k is still good. I read this on an article on a new app I just downloaded. If any of you have an iPhone then download the BOD Ultimate Rugby app. It's free.

Pete, I thought DC was offered 900k? Granted his re-occurring ankle injust re-occured after two games though. They say his presence still 'inspired' Perp.

Sexton could well be the highest earner in Europe next season though. I can't think of anyone else on a bigger wage. I'm guessing Roberts was offered 500k to play along side him?

by pete (buachaill on eirne) Fri 25 Jan 2013, 7:23 pm

looks like Conway is heading to Munster also

by BlueMuff Fri 25 Jan 2013, 7:29 pm

pete (buachaill on eirne) wrote:looks like Conway is heading to Munster also

really excited about this. Penny is putting some young talented squad together.

Think Johnny will do great and develop into and even better player

by pete (buachaill on eirne) Fri 25 Jan 2013, 9:25 pm

BlueMuff wrote:
pete (buachaill on eirne) wrote:looks like Conway is heading to Munster also

really excited about this. Penny is putting some young talented squad together.

Think Johnny will do great and develop into and even better player

+1 on both of these things