Johnny Sexton to Racing

by Portnoy's Complaint Sat Jan 26, 2013 12:39 am

First topic message reminder :

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

by Mickado Mon Jan 28, 2013 9:45 pm

Golden wrote:
rodders wrote:
Mickado wrote:How has he handeled it poorly? He hasn't said a thing, someone leaked the story that he was signing and the IRFU have confirmed he's going to France. He's not allowed say who he's signing for until the French transfer window opens (i believe), so what's he supposed to do?

He's handled it badly because it looks like he and his agent have tried to hold the IRFU to ransom and now its backfired. If this racing Metro deal does indeed turn out to be bogus then Sexton is going to look very stupid. Maybe his agent is to blame and not Sexton.

How will it have backfired? The deal has been confirmed it just hasn't been announced who he is going to. At least that was my grasp on the story

Exactly, the deal hasn't backfired.

I don't like the sounds of Drury, any time i hear his name he's always leaking contract information about a player.

by **rodders** Mon Jan 28, 2013 9:47 pm

Golden wrote:
rodders wrote:
Mickado wrote:How has he handeled it poorly? He hasn't said a thing, someone leaked the story that he was signing and the IRFU have confirmed he's going to France. He's not allowed say who he's signing for until the French transfer window opens (i believe), so what's he supposed to do?

He's handled it badly because it looks like he and his agent have tried to hold the IRFU to ransom and now its backfired. If this racing Metro deal does indeed turn out to be bogus then Sexton is going to look very stupid. Maybe his agent is to blame and not Sexton.

How will it have backfired? The deal has been confirmed it just hasn't been announced who he is going to. At least that was my grasp on the story

As a neutral observer it looks very much like Sexton and his agent have used this Racing Metro deal (650k +) to squeeze a bigger contract out of the IRFU. The IRFU have called their bluff and pulled out of the negotiations and then the Racing president has come out and denied knowledge of the deal saying that they wouldn't pay that much for a player. That may not be what happened but it looks that way.

by LeinsterFan4life Mon Jan 28, 2013 10:08 pm

The IRFU didn't call the bluff, they offered sexton somewhere in the region of 500k which would make him the highest earner in Ireland I think. They just couldn't afford to keep him.

by **rodders** Mon Jan 28, 2013 10:21 pm

LeinsterFan4life wrote:The IRFU didn't call the bluff, they offered sexton somewhere in the region of 500k which would make him the highest earner in Ireland I think. They just couldn't afford to keep him.

Yes and Sexton turned it down on the basis that he had a bigger offer from Racing, which according to their president isn't the case.

Philip Browne said it was not in Irish rugbys interest to match said offer. Someone is not telling the truth here and it looks to be either Sextons agent or Racing.

by LeinsterFan4life Mon Jan 28, 2013 10:29 pm

All will be revealed in April I suppose.

by Mickado Mon Jan 28, 2013 10:41 pm

rodders wrote:
Golden wrote:
rodders wrote:
Mickado wrote:How has he handeled it poorly? He hasn't said a thing, someone leaked the story that he was signing and the IRFU have confirmed he's going to France. He's not allowed say who he's signing for until the French transfer window opens (i believe), so what's he supposed to do?

He's handled it badly because it looks like he and his agent have tried to hold the IRFU to ransom and now its backfired. If this racing Metro deal does indeed turn out to be bogus then Sexton is going to look very stupid. Maybe his agent is to blame and not Sexton.

How will it have backfired? The deal has been confirmed it just hasn't been announced who he is going to. At least that was my grasp on the story

As a neutral observer it looks very much like Sexton and his agent have used this Racing Metro deal (650k +) to squeeze a bigger contract out of the IRFU. The IRFU have called their bluff and pulled out of the negotiations and then the Racing president has come out and denied knowledge of the deal saying that they wouldn't pay that much for a player. That may not be what happened but it looks that way.

Not sure where you're getting that from Rods, as far as I'm heard/read the IRFU came in with an 11th hour offer which was turned down. This obviously isn't a bluff.

by **rodders** Mon Jan 28, 2013 10:50 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.”

I'm getting it from the horses mouth Mick.

by Mickado Mon Jan 28, 2013 11:09 pm

I don't read that as them calling his bluff but fair enough...

by asoreleftshoulder Mon Jan 28, 2013 11:30 pm

It's only a bluff if Sexton doesn't have a winning hand,if he has bigger contract offer from France then imo he isn't bluffing just making a thin value bet.

by BlueMuff Tue Jan 29, 2013 12:07 am

So is he a "MetroSexton" or what? Smile

by **rodders** Tue Jan 29, 2013 12:14 am

asoreleftshoulder wrote:It's only a bluff if Sexton doesn't have a winning hand,if he has bigger contract offer from France then imo he isn't bluffing just making a thin value bet.

Totally agree.

by whocares Tue Jan 29, 2013 12:16 am

seems confirmed now over here :
http://www.rugbyrama.fr/rugby/top-14/2012-2013/racing-sexton-s-engage-pour-deux-ans_sto3596530/story.shtml

2 years contract with an extra release clause for Ireland games (for days outside the IRB window that is).

by asoreleftshoulder Tue Jan 29, 2013 12:30 am

Good to see he has made playing for Ireland a priority,it can't have been easy to secure those release dates and still be one of the highest paid players in the game.

by LeinsterFan4life Tue Jan 29, 2013 3:13 am

Anyone have a link to the Racing fan forums? Smile

by LeinsterFan4life Tue Jan 29, 2013 5:16 am

Anyone see the interview with Kearney? he says Sexton wanted to stay Sad

by Sin é Tue Jan 29, 2013 6:07 am

LeinsterFan4life wrote:Anyone see the interview with Kearney? he says Sexton wanted to stay

So what stopped him staying?

by LeinsterFan4life Tue Jan 29, 2013 6:28 am

Sin é wrote:
LeinsterFan4life wrote:Anyone see the interview with Kearney? he says Sexton wanted to stay

So what stopped him staying?

Hold on I'll just ring him now and see. Ah no I'm not sure but I blame the IRFU

by Feckless Rogue Tue Jan 29, 2013 6:28 am

Sin, the IRFU point blank refused to give him a crown and a fur coat as well as matching Racings offer.

by Glas a du Tue Jan 29, 2013 6:32 am

Guys like the Guiness you're not bitter, remember? thumbsup

by **Notch** Tue Jan 29, 2013 6:39 am

Rob Kearneys comments have a lot more to do with Rob Kearney than anything else.

Subtext; "The IRFU didn't do enough to keep Johnny"

Subtext of the subtext; "So, everyone remembers my own contract is up in the summer right?"

by Mickado Tue Jan 29, 2013 6:19 pm

Some more rumours I've been reading lately:

HVDM is off to France
Isa is off to (probably) France
Munster are sniffing around another Leinster player

by Glas a du Tue Jan 29, 2013 7:10 pm

Dirty dogs.

by **rodders** Tue Jan 29, 2013 8:11 pm

Sin é wrote:
LeinsterFan4life wrote:Anyone see the interview with Kearney? he says Sexton wanted to stay

So what stopped him staying?

....about 200k euros..... Whistle

by pete (buachaill on eirne) Tue Jan 29, 2013 8:22 pm

Mickado wrote:Some more rumours I've been reading lately:

HVDM is off to France
Isa is off to (probably) France
Munster are sniffing around another Leinster player

Our squad is getting pretty bare all of a sudden..........

Don't understand why Conway left, think that was a bad move for him to be honest with the guys leaving (Carr and Johnny which has a knock on effect to Madigan in the back 3) and guys who could be retiring soon (BOD and Darce seeing McFadden and Fitz moving in)

Poor call sunshine when Munster have a fair bit of back 3 players

by Intotouch Tue Jan 29, 2013 8:59 pm

whocares wrote:seems confirmed now over here :
http://www.rugbyrama.fr/rugby/top-14/2012-2013/racing-sexton-s-engage-pour-deux-ans_sto3596530/story.shtml

2 years contract with an extra release clause for Ireland games (for days outside the IRB window that is).

This article just quotes the Irish times and repeats what the Irish press say! The article in Equipe quotes someone in Racing and the president.

Why would the president of Racing not deny signing Roberts etc but say the signing of Sexton was cowpat? It's possible that they're still negotiating but this is still extreme language to use for what is basically a maybe.

by Intotouch Tue Jan 29, 2013 9:08 pm

You've got to check this out!

http://www.lequipe.fr/Rugby/Actualites/Sexton-n-a-pas-signe/346092

I looked at Equipe to see if there was anything new today and sure enough, Racing's president has said that Sexton hasn''t signed, but he says there are heated discussions and Sexton has now lowered his demands now from €750k to €500k! They are still looking at another international 10. What the hell is going on?

It sounds to me like his agent has really screwed up. If he goes for a salary of €500k would he in the end be earning more than he would have done in Ireland? I doubt it.

by LeinsterFan4life Tue Jan 29, 2013 10:17 pm

Intotouch wrote:You've got to check this out!

http://www.lequipe.fr/Rugby/Actualites/Sexton-n-a-pas-signe/346092

I looked at Equipe to see if there was anything new today and sure enough, Racing's president has said that Sexton hasn''t signed, but he says there are heated discussions and Sexton has now lowered his demands now from €750k to €500k! They are still looking at another international 10. What the hell is going on?

It sounds to me like his agent has really screwed up. If he goes for a salary of €500k would he in the end be earning more than he would have done in Ireland? I doubt it.

Johnny just fire your agent and come back to us please. All will be forgiven.

by Glas a du Tue Jan 29, 2013 10:19 pm

rodders wrote:
Sin é wrote:
LeinsterFan4life wrote:Anyone see the interview with Kearney? he says Sexton wanted to stay

So what stopped him staying?

....about 200k euros.....

by Glas a du Tue Jan 29, 2013 10:21 pm

LeinsterFan4life wrote:
Intotouch wrote:You've got to check this out!

http://www.lequipe.fr/Rugby/Actualites/Sexton-n-a-pas-signe/346092

I looked at Equipe to see if there was anything new today and sure enough, Racing's president has said that Sexton hasn''t signed, but he says there are heated discussions and Sexton has now lowered his demands now from €750k to €500k! They are still looking at another international 10. What the hell is going on?

It sounds to me like his agent has really screwed up. If he goes for a salary of €500k would he in the end be earning more than he would have done in Ireland? I doubt it.
Johnny just fire your agent and come back to us please. All will be forgiven.

(sorry, that's the closest I could get to a 'brown nosing' smiley Very Happy

)

P.S. I know it's raw lads, but it does help to laugh...

Yikes

by Jenifer McLadyboy Tue Jan 29, 2013 10:23 pm

Mickado wrote:Some more rumours I've been reading lately:

HVDM is off to France
Isa is off to (probably) France
Munster are sniffing around another Leinster player

Don't panic Mick.

HVDM was always going, why would he stay? He is young and if he was going to get a contract at all from the IRFU it would only be a year. He could get 2 or 3 in France at a higher rate = no brainer. Love to keep him but I think Big Jack is ready to do a job and Bent can play both sides. O'Connell may get a decent run to see what he can do also.

I don't think Isa will go to France until May 14. Again he is not going to get a good deal from the IRFU if he get's one at all, and will be 32 then so could land a decent 2 or 3 year deal in France.

Conway was not actually breaking his contract by going to Munster (As Isa would be by going to France now) as he is still contracted to the IRFU. I believe they have guaranteed him starts in several games. (which ain't great for the likes of Luke O'Dea) and probably signifies Duggie leaving.

Munster may well be sniffing after another Leinster player, but A/ they may not get him, and B/ it is likely to be a Prop (One of Bent, Hagan, Moore, Furlong would be my guess) Could also be Cronin, with Varley and Henry going down there.

Over all not amazing, but if we keep Fitz, Rob, Strauss & Kearney, I will be happy enough.

by pete (buachaill on eirne) Wed Jan 30, 2013 9:55 pm

It is a lot of players to lose though and big players too.

I really believe Conway should have stuck it out as BOD and Darce start to really slow down then Fitz and McFadden would move in and Conway would be getting his start.

I am not panicking but I can see a little bit of a reshuffle needing to take place.

I hope we start doing some signing to beef up our squad

by Glas a du Wed Jan 30, 2013 9:57 pm

Why rely on IRFU to keep your Irish players? Haven't you coined enough in with your HC wins to help out a bit? Isn't the RDS full every time you play?

by **rodders** Wed Jan 30, 2013 10:04 pm

According to RTE Sexton is miffed at the IRFU not offering him parity with Heaslip and would have stayed if he had received the same terms.

It seems bizarre to me that Heaslip is deemed to be worth the same as Sexton, let alone more.

by Glas a du Wed Jan 30, 2013 10:30 pm

It takes a lot of cow pies to maintain him. That's why the Blues had to let Roberts go...

by Sin é Wed Jan 30, 2013 10:42 pm

rodders wrote:According to RTE Sexton is miffed at the IRFU not offering him parity with Heaslip and would have stayed if he had received the same terms.

It seems bizarre to me that Heaslip is deemed to be worth the same as Sexton, let alone more.

I'd imagine that the IRFU had more money when Heaslip got his last contract 2 years ago and his next one might not be as lucrative.

I'd say the IRFU are sending out a big message that no one is indespensible.

You'd have to wonder what kind of an affect this will have on Sexton for the 6Ns if he doesn't know where he will be next season.

by **rodders** Wed Jan 30, 2013 11:01 pm

Well he's got additional pressure now to deliver. Hopefully it will spur him on but it could affect his game alright........

We're fieced if we have to turn to ROG ..... Whistle

.....

by Jenifer McLadyboy Wed Jan 30, 2013 11:02 pm

Glas a du wrote:Why rely on IRFU to keep your Irish players? Haven't you coined enough in with your HC wins to help out a bit? Isn't the RDS full every time you play?

The provinces are not allowed to negotiate with players on behalf of the IRFU. All players inc NIQs are contracted to the IRFU whether they are paid by the provinces or not.

It's a little more complex than that as the provinces do their own dealings with players who are not up for "central contracts" (Confused yet?)

But the IRFU have final say in all contracts central or provincial.

EG. when Luke Fitz's talks with the IRFU last year Leinster were allowed to sign a 1 year contract with him.

by Glas a du Wed Jan 30, 2013 11:04 pm

Well if that's what central contracts mean, I'm glad we can't afford them. Absolute nonsense.

by Jenifer McLadyboy Wed Jan 30, 2013 11:07 pm

Glas a du wrote:Well if that's what central contracts mean, I'm glad we can't afford them. Absolute nonsense.

Swings and roundabouts.

The main roundabout is that the IRFU are an amateur organisation run by volunteers, whereas the provinces are professional setups.

by Glas a du Thu Jan 31, 2013 12:18 am

And the swing is that they sometimes get lucky?

by Jenifer McLadyboy Thu Jan 31, 2013 12:25 am

Glas a du wrote:And the swing is that they sometimes get lucky?

The big swing is we can control our players at national level. Up until this thread we had Zero players going to France for example. Drico and all the other luminarys of his generation played their whole career here.

They get rested and looked after etc. (although it seems to have benefited the provinces more that the national team)

by Glas a du Thu Jan 31, 2013 12:29 am

Is that now an historic benefit?

by **rodders** Thu Jan 31, 2013 12:31 am

What chances the IRFU will come back with a renewed offer for Sexton?...... I bet they're discussing it with the Troika as we speak....... Whistle

by Jenifer McLadyboy Thu Jan 31, 2013 12:44 am

Glas a du wrote:Is that now an historic benefit?

Only time will tell

by Sin é Thu Jan 31, 2013 1:05 am

Jenifer McLadyboy wrote:
Glas a du wrote:Well if that's what central contracts mean, I'm glad we can't afford them. Absolute nonsense.
Swings and roundabouts.

The main roundabout is that the IRFU are an amateur organisation run by volunteers, whereas the provinces are professional setups.

So, how amateur is Philip Browne - he has been IRFU CEO for the last 10-12 years. Wigglesworth used be the CEO of Leinster - how is he still an amateur? Tom Grace is the IRFU treasurer - have a look at his qualifications for the job.

Mr. Tom Grace was a Partner of PricewaterhouseCoopers until 2005, where Mr. Grace led its Insolvency Department since 1987. Mr. Grace worked in the audit division and management consultancy division, principally in the area of financial advice and has 34 years of experience at PricewaterhouseCoopers. Mr. Grace has been involved with a number of high profile receiverships and liquidations throughout his career and in 1998, was appointed by the High Court to investigate the affairs of National Irish Bank. Mr. Grace has been Senior Independent Director of Paddy Power plc since January 2009 and has been its Non-Executive Director since January 3, 2006. He is also well known as a former rugby international. He won 25 international rugby caps for Ireland between 1972 and 1978 and captained the side on eight occasions. Mr. Grace also toured as a British and Irish Lion in 1974.

by Intotouch Thu Jan 31, 2013 2:18 am

Well said Sin E!

by The Boss Thu Jan 31, 2013 3:56 am

Sexton might be away but Cian Healy has just tweeted that he's signed a new 3 year deal with the IRFU. Some good news anyway for Leinster.