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Sexton will leave Leinster at the end of the season. INPHO/Dan Sheridan

5 talking points from Jonny Sexton's move from Leinster

A legend will leave Leinster. Here’s our verdict on the Irish international’s big move.

1. It’s unfair to begrudge his decision

Jonnny Sexton owes Leinster nothing. Even at the relatively young age of 27, he will surely be remembered as one of the most influential players ever to wear the blue jersey.

He helped inspire the province to three Heineken Cup final victories, and his most memorable moment undoubtedly came in the 2011 decisive match against the Northampton Saints, when his two tries and total of 28 points proved the catalyst for one of the greatest sporting comebacks ever.

Therefore, to severely criticise Sexton’s decision, and call it “disgraceful” or “greedy” as some have done, seems churlish in the extreme.

Sexton is playing the rugby of his life at the moment, and is coming towards the peak of his career. He fully deserves to extract the best financial deal possible for his services, and it’s unfair to begrudge him this reward, particularly as very few people would have acted differently if placed in a similar position.

2. It’s anything but a positive outcome for Irish rugby

Some have suggested that Sexton moving abroad will ultimately be beneficial for Irish rugby in the long term.

The argument being that Sexton will improve his game and learn a great deal more than he would have at Leinster by undertaking the less obvious option and adapting to this unique environment.

Moreover, it means there will be an even greater wealth of options at out-half for Ireland, with Sexton, Ian Madigan, Ian Keatley/Ronan O’Gara and Paddy Jackson all likely to be playing regular rugby at a very high level next year.

However, with Sexton now required to play consistently with non-Irish players, there is a strong likelihood that he won’t enjoy the same kind of chemistry that he normally would with his Leinster colleagues in the Irish set-up.

Surely therefore, the cons outweigh the pros in this instance, as far as Irish rugby is concerned.

3. Leinster look set to suffer immeasurably as a result

A few people have suggested that Leinster won’t be overly affected as a result of Sexton’s departure.

After all, they have the supremely promising Ian Madigan coming through.

Yet for all the promise Madigan offers, he has yet to prove he can make anything like the impact that his predecessor had.

While he has displayed no shortage of skill in a variety of positions this year, the fact remains that his place-kicking and general play remain starkly inferior to Sexton’s.

Consequently, Madigan needs plenty of encouragement to be sure, but it’s imperative that fans and critics don’t expect or insist on Sexton-esque miracles immediately.

4. Could Leinster and the IRFU have done more to dissuade him from leaving?

There have been suggestions that Leinster and the IRFU were somewhat lax in allowing their star man to leave.

Some commentators have even hinted that a sense of complacency pervaded the manner in which they handled the situation.

After all, in recent years, the rumoured impending departures of Brian O’Driscoll and Ronan O’Gara from their respective provinces turned out to be little more than false alarms.

Indeed, there have been suggestions that the aforementioned duo never genuinely intended to leave, and that they were merely bluffing in order to negotiate better deals.

It’s possible that Leinster and the IRFU suspected something similar was going on with Sexton. If so, the situation is almost a case of ‘the boy who cried wolf’ in reverse. The one time they didn’t believe their man has proven to be immensely costly.

5. Is there any chance of Sexton failing in France?

Moving to a French club is a rare enough circumstance for an Irish rugby player to find himself in.

With Trevor Brennan being a notable exception, there is no real culture of this ever happening until now.

A few may speculate that the Sexton experiment will be a failure, given that other talented athletes – especially ones from Britain and Ireland – have struggled to cope with life abroad in the past.

However, Jonny Sexton is hardly akin to your average sports star.

Judging from both his demeanour in interviews and his conduct on the field of play, it’s obvious that he clearly possesses an exceptional temperament.

Therefore, as much as Leinster fans would like to see him return in a year’s time with his tail between his legs, the chances of it actually happening are minimal.

Au revoir, Jonny: IRFU confirm Sexton is leaving Leinster>

Here’s how Twitter reacted to Jonny Sexton leaving Leinster>

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89 Comments
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    Mute coincéar
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    Jan 25th 2013, 3:15 PM

    it’s a bit early to be calling him a LEGEND!!!!…..

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    Mute Brian Leddin
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    Jan 25th 2013, 3:34 PM

    Agreed. Also, that bit about him inspiring one of the greatest comebacks in sport ever was a tad over the top.

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    Mute Ted Carroll
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    Jan 25th 2013, 3:40 PM

    Brian why is it over the top? It genuinely was a phenomenal comeback and he played the pivotal role! I may as well ask you to specify what rugby team you’d follow just to ensure its not a tribal reason clouding your judgement!

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    Mute Winston Teardrops
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    Jan 25th 2013, 4:09 PM

    Abuse of the word ‘legend’… a key component in the side for a number of years, yes. But, legend, no. Carpe dium Johnny. Go n-éirí leat, agus b’fhéidir go bhfeicimid arís thú.

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    Mute Paul Quigley
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    Jan 25th 2013, 4:15 PM

    He is one of if not the best out half ever to play for Ireland – so he deserves to be considered a legend !

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    Mute ThomasFrancisMeagher
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    Jan 25th 2013, 5:00 PM

    Dan Parks to Leinster?!

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    Mute Alan Quinn
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    Jan 25th 2013, 5:47 PM

    I wish Sexton all the best but he has hardly set the number 10 green jersey alight to warrant being a legend. A legend to have played in Ireland yes but a legend in an Irish jersey? The jury is still out on that

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    Mute Elrat
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    Jan 25th 2013, 8:04 PM

    Ha Ha Ha – he wouldn’t lace OGara boots in his prime.

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    Mute PETER DALY
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    Jan 25th 2013, 9:12 PM

    He’s just gone RACING !

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    Mute Fiona Sneyd
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    Jan 25th 2013, 11:32 PM

    We’re you there? I was. It was an incredible one man avalanche of rugby.

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    Mute Justin Donoghue
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    Jan 26th 2013, 12:25 PM

    He most certainly is a Leinster legend but he most certainly is not an Irish legend….yet.

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    Mute Chris Mcdonnell
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    Jan 26th 2013, 1:04 PM

    Every time he’s played v Ogara he bettered him Elrat. Take a look at the Heineken cup semi final for example.

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    Mute Figo murphy
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    Jan 25th 2013, 3:18 PM

    Good luck to him. Fantastic player. Deserves the financial rewards being offered to him. Sorry to see him leave.

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    Mute David Riordan
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    Jan 25th 2013, 3:50 PM

    I don’t think he’ll have a problem settling in France. Joey Barton managed it, and even picked up some French too!

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    Mute Pat Kelly
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    Jan 25th 2013, 5:01 PM

    You must be joking.

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    Mute Fukface
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    Jan 25th 2013, 5:13 PM

    It might improve his place kicking.

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    Mute piohmy
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    Jan 25th 2013, 3:21 PM

    Why wouldn’t you go.. New culture new language better weather & double your wages.. He probably only has 6 or 7 years left at the top so it’s now or never.. Dan carter will be at a French club in a few weeks too.. He’s getting a sabbatical from the nz rfu, whose going to pay for the new knees & hips when there in their 60,s, cash in now.. Best of luck johnny….

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    Mute ripedoffagain
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    Jan 25th 2013, 6:56 PM

    Not sure how often you have been in Paris , but the weather can be wet also.

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    Mute liam
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    Jan 25th 2013, 3:16 PM

    fair dues to sexton
    a great #10

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    Mute James A
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    Jan 25th 2013, 3:17 PM

    A famous Cork man once said “players are treated like pieces of meat”. He is dead right to go. Leinster had no problem dropping him to club rugby a few years ago when his form dipped. What’s to say that won’t happen again? He can come back in two years and get his tax break. Best of luck to him.

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    Mute John Gleeson
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    Jan 25th 2013, 3:16 PM

    The main impact of Sexton leaving will b to potentially open d floodgates of an Irish exodus to France similar to d 1 to England in d late 90′s

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    Mute Peter McGuirk
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    Jan 25th 2013, 3:26 PM

    @John, You’ve hit the nail on the head there, I think all Irish rugby fans should be worried about how this may play out in the long term. Given the seemingly bottomless pockets of some of the French clubs we risk losing our best talent. This has happened as you mention to England in late 90′s and has been happening over the couple of years to the Welsh regions

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    Mute Ben Gunn
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    Jan 25th 2013, 3:33 PM

    Or as in Wales right now.

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    Mute Barry Mahon
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    Jan 25th 2013, 5:18 PM

    Rubbish, we don’t have enough players whom they want, name 5 whom you think would be in the market.

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    Mute Ernie Henderson
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    Jan 25th 2013, 9:23 PM

    Kearney, Murray, Zeno, Sean o Brien, cian Healy …… All young and talented, I could name 50 if u want

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    Mute John Murphy
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    Jan 25th 2013, 3:18 PM

    Leinster have no power to stop him leaving, financially or otherwise.

    The IRFU have full say on the contract, If they are willing to offer €450k, Leinster can’t just say well throw in another 300 to match the racing offer.

    Fair play to Sexton, his career will only be so long. The IRFU have really screwed Leinster over I think. Leinster have far much more to lose that the national team.

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    Mute Jim Walsh
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    Jan 25th 2013, 7:09 PM

    How have the IRFU screwed Leinster? They offered Sexton nearly half a million euro to stay. They really couldn’t afford to match the Racing Metro offer because if they did they would be setting a precendent for other Irish players who might get generous offers from other clubs.

    Ultimately the IRFU have to manage rugby in a prudent financial manner. There is a certain limit beyond which they can’t and shouldn’t go. They’ve done well to retain most Irish players for so long. I don’t want to see Irish players leaving for English/French clubs but ultimately what good will it be if the IRFU goes bankrupt trying to match these sort of mega deals?

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    Mute Bart O Brien
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    Jan 25th 2013, 3:34 PM

    How many other players like o gara, o Driscoll, o Connell and others have turned down big offers to stay with their provinces!!?? Simon Zebo, turned down massive money to stay with Munster, he said that the pride and banter in Munster rugby is not worth the extra money!! Pride of the jersey will bring on a player, because he will want to not let down any of his team mates and will give 100%!! When big money gets involved its not going to bring out the best I think!!

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    Mute Karen NíDhochartaigh
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    Jan 25th 2013, 5:03 PM

    That’s true if you have pride in your jersey. Section has been out to suit himself for years and mgt pandering to him never helped. Good luck to him seriously but he’s not the major loss people think.

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    Mute Denito
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    Jan 25th 2013, 9:33 PM

    Did Zebo get a ?750k offer too?

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    Mute pg
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    Jan 25th 2013, 3:55 PM

    @bart and the other Munster supporters …. Two words .. Keith wood …

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    Mute Bart O Brien
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    Jan 25th 2013, 4:43 PM

    True, but that was when the professional era just started!!

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    Mute Ed Mooney
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    Jan 25th 2013, 5:02 PM

    Keith Wood moved at the very start of the Professional era when the provinces hadn’t quite caught up with the structures in place in England.
    But then again like johhny money talked for Uncle Fester and many other frontline irish players before we started to gain confidence in ourselves with Ulsters win and Munsters great runs in the cup which brought supporters and money to the game here.
    Anyway good luck to Johhny hopefully he will make a success of it and good luck to Madigan this is his chance to hopefully come good on the pormise he has shown.

    Hopefully Keatly and Hanrahan can come good for Munster as the more top class 10′s we have the better.
    Come on Ireland!!!!

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    Mute Ed Mooney
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    Jan 25th 2013, 5:03 PM

    Doh ***promise***

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    Mute Tom O'Sullivan
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    Jan 25th 2013, 4:12 PM

    Jaysus, thescore, that reads like your crush is moving on and you’re passive aggressively down in the dumps. Get over it, he’s just not that into you.

    1: Who’d begrudge him more money, a chance to develop as a player and experience life in a different culture?

    2: Plenty of positives for Ireland – a better more all-round fly-half and a 10 slot opening up for an up and coming player to get experience

    3:’Suffer immeasurably’ is a tad of an overstatement. All teams have to deal with losing their best players eventually. The best teams are the ones that constantly develop new talent. Is it a loss? Yes. Is it the end of Leinster Rugby as we know it, with no way from the depths of Sextonless hell? No. Leinster will get over it.

    4:Maybe the IRFU and Leinster felt there was a price that was high to keep him. If that’s the case, fair play. Stick to your guns. Every player has his/her price.

    5: Of course he might fail in France. He might also get hit by a bus tomorrow. He might also develop as a player and be a better out-half for Ireland in the future. The move is a risk. If it pays off, it’s great for Sexton and Ireland, if it doesn’t, it was still worth taking.

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    Mute Max Power
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    Jan 25th 2013, 3:57 PM

    The bigger question is, is this the beginning of an exodus of Irish players to foreign teams lured by money? The IRFU have been unable or unwilling to match the French offer. I don’t want to make the money thing sound dirty or anything. Players have a shelf life and its only right to make hay while the sun smiles. Will we see more and more players emigrate for money or to extend their careers?

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    Mute Alex McDwyer
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    Jan 25th 2013, 3:58 PM

    I think this could be a good thing for Irish rugby it will allow younger players to be blooded earlier and I think will be a positive thing for both Leinster and Ireland.

    Hopefully he’ll preform to his full potential and enjoy his career. Best of luck to him.

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    Mute eoghan
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    Jan 25th 2013, 3:36 PM

    That’s the leinister crowd again d4 money matters,o gara wouldn’t of moved ,

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    Mute piohmy
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    Jan 25th 2013, 3:51 PM

    It’s easy eoghan to comment when there’s nobody offering you €750 a year ( £1.7 million sterling according to sky).. O Connell will be be remembered as a loyal servant of Munster but realistically wouldn’t have got a club in the last four years because of his injuries. & should probably retire before permanent damage is done..johnny can always come back & would be welcome..

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    Mute Nellie Oneill
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    Jan 25th 2013, 6:27 PM

    I gara wad never offer Sexton money

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    Mute Gearoid Murphy
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    Jan 25th 2013, 4:19 PM

    As long as tge French leave Zebo alone I am a happy camper , not often munster produce a winger that has “it”

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    Mute Pádraic O'Callanáin
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    Jan 25th 2013, 5:16 PM

    Leinster live by the sword and die by the sword.

    It’s not good for Irish rugby but it does bring an ironic smirk to my face considering the way Leinster and the IRFU bigwigs deal with Connacht.

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    Mute stephen lane
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    Jan 25th 2013, 7:15 PM

    Fair point – whats good for the goose and all that

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    Mute Chris Mcdonnell
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    Jan 26th 2013, 1:43 PM

    Ate you kidding me? Leinster bad for Conaught? There’s more Leinster academy player out west than the other way around. Oh and the only reason conaught are even playing at the top table is because Leinster won the heineken cup for the last two years.
    Next year no European rugby and 3rd from the bottom in the rabbo.

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    Mute Tom Glynn
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    Jan 25th 2013, 3:21 PM

    Love the bit. Will he fail. Good man Johnny but will you fail. The usual Irish, get another step on the ladder but we,re hear if you fail…….

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    Mute Glenn O'hAilpín
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    Jan 25th 2013, 4:40 PM

    its all unraveling for Leinster now… they had a good run though… Heineken Cup coming back to Munster where it belongs!!

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    Mute Marist '59
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    Jan 25th 2013, 5:33 PM

    Would you back that statement with €1,000?

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    Mute David Kennedy
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    Jan 25th 2013, 4:03 PM

    I think it’s a bit simplistic to look at it as just a money move. Knowing how determined that Sexton is I would imagine that the chance to experience a new culture first hand and test himself at a different level would be factors too. The silver lining is that it frees up a space for another Irish out-half to play HCup for Leinster next year. Best of luck to him.

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    Mute Jack Noone
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    Jan 25th 2013, 6:11 PM

    I’d say Sexton got the hump cause he didn’t get captaincy ahead of that useless shite Heaslip and then try wouldn’t raise his wage to the same as Heaslip and said fu*k this I’m off to France for a few years! He’s a lot more valuable to Ireland and Leinster than Heaslip! I wouldn’t even have him in the team with a full strength backrow to choose from. JUST SAYING.

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    Mute Billy Fisher
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    Jan 25th 2013, 5:38 PM

    Best of luck to Jonathan ! My one concern is the reluctance with which the French clubs release foreign players for international duty !

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    Mute Edward Patrick Comerford
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    Jan 25th 2013, 6:01 PM

    Ok Johnny is gone lets look to the future It’s now madigans time and I am sure he can step up to the mark

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    Mute Fools
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    Jan 25th 2013, 5:21 PM

    He is a sulky boy Sexton. The french will give his attitude a wake up call.

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    Mute Peadar de Blúit
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    Jan 25th 2013, 4:23 PM

    the one thing that is becoming increasingly clear is that thejournal / thescore have an ever-increasing number of Leinster-philes working their pages. Sexton popped up at the right time and place within the Leinster/Ireland setup is all. Won’t be missed easily replaced, perfect opportunity for Madigan/Keatley/ Jackson

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    Mute Olivia O'Brien
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    Jan 25th 2013, 7:26 PM

    Good luck to the legend..

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    Mute Marty
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    Jan 25th 2013, 5:45 PM

    Bad day for Leinster; Conway on his way to Munster:

    http://www.munsterrugby.ie/news/11445.php

    He might not have lived up to expectations, but still very young and will hopefully flourish when given a little more game-time

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    Mute Paul O'Flynn
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    Jan 25th 2013, 6:39 PM

    450k isn’t enough. He should be excluded from playing for Ireland. Look how Brennan ended up

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    Mute Cian O Donoghue
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    Jan 25th 2013, 6:50 PM

    Trevor Brennan?? As in the guy who owns 2 bars in Toulouse and is quite financially comfortable?? Bad example I reckon….

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    Mute Chris Mcdonnell
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    Jan 26th 2013, 1:49 PM

    Trevor brennan? The mans a legend in one of the biggest clubs in the world. Won every honour in the European game and is financially secure for the rest of his life, if that’s the best you can come up with every Irish player should go to France

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    Mute Cian O Donoghue
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    Jan 25th 2013, 6:30 PM

    Best of luck Johnny. I don’t begrudge him and now we can see how good Madigan is or isn’t. After all some people have said he should b the Irish number 2 out half….

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    Mute Robert Callaghan
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    Jan 25th 2013, 6:12 PM

    I thought mercenaries were confined to soccer… Turns out there’s a few in Rugby too.

    So much for the saying,

    One life, one club

    This could see a mass exodus if the move goes well for Sexton

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    Mute Eoin Ryan
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    Jan 25th 2013, 6:22 PM

    Has anyone told Johnnie about the French wealth tax? The 450k Irish contract would/will be tax free if he finishes his career in Ireland

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    Mute Jim Walsh
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    Jan 25th 2013, 7:12 PM

    Wealth tax on incomes of over €1 million per year. Won’t affect him.

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    Mute MBas
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    Jan 25th 2013, 6:39 PM

    He’s a good solid player, nothing more. He’d be crazy not to take the money if someone thinks he’s worth it.

    Looking forward to seeing a new breed of younger Irish players step up to the plate.

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    Mute Denito
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    Jan 26th 2013, 12:08 AM

    “We’ll never forget you, Jimmy Sexton”

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    Mute johnston819
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    Jan 25th 2013, 6:36 PM

    There’s a lot of begrudgery here. Good luck him. He’s not the first and won’t be the last. Ross had to go to England to make his name just like Keith Wood. Tommy Bowe and Roger Wilson left Ulster. Even Johnny O’Connor crossed the pond. the only point I would make is if he goes he should from herein be considered an automatic choice for Ireland. Otherwise we are talking about double standards when you see how players like Bob Casey were ostracized by the authorities because they were playing in England.

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    Mute Anne Corless
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    Jan 25th 2013, 7:59 PM

    Best of Luck Jonny. U Will be a big hit here in France

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    Mute Brian O' Connor
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    Jan 25th 2013, 7:42 PM

    I wish Sexton the very best of luck, he will still be available for Ireland, Leinster have produced great out-halfs time and time again over the years. After all, graveyards are full of ” indispensable people” and this does not only apply to Rugby.

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    Mute Cian O Donoghue
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    Jan 25th 2013, 9:47 PM

    Who are these great out halves of which u speak???

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    Mute Dave Garrett
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    Jan 26th 2013, 3:05 AM

    Ollie Campbell and tony ward to name but 2

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    Mute Paul Driscoll
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    Jan 25th 2013, 6:29 PM

    The issue with the move is that in reality he will not get the game time that he hopes. Witness the welsh players who have all made the move chasing money and have now lost form because they are not getting game time because of the large squads the play there.

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    Mute Jack Noone
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    Jan 26th 2013, 1:10 AM

    Ah yea but Racing aren’t that good and Sexton is

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    Mute Melanie Gibney
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    Jan 25th 2013, 6:26 PM

    Sob

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    Mute Ned
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    Jan 25th 2013, 10:28 PM

    Best of luck to him. Hard to believe his motivation is anything other than money, Racing aren’t even a top side in the French league. Leave 2 in a row Heineken Cup champions to play with a mid table French club side.
    http://uk.eurosport.yahoo.com/rugby/top-14/2012-2013/tables/

    While he’s a good player he needs to get his kicking solid. That’s the difference between a good and a great player, Hope he does well and flies the Irish Flag.
    http://www.rabodirectpro12.com/statzone/rhino_golden_boot.php

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    Mute damian
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    Jan 26th 2013, 2:45 AM

    Racing have signed a lot of very good players for next season including Jamie Roberts and most likely Dan Lydiate. Mujati from saints too… New coaching ticket as well. Racing owners spending a lot of money to bring in the best…

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    Mute Carton Fox
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    Jan 25th 2013, 10:21 PM

    I’m distraught about the whole thing. Not gonna lie I’ve been reduced to tears numerous times throughout the day by the matter. I can’t believe he is moving, thought he was a boy in blue for life. Can’t believe in a few months we’ll never see him in the RDS again, & his parking spot will go :’( (soppy girl comment) But I really wish him the best. I hope he did the right thing. He’ll always be a Leinster Legend in my eyes!

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    Mute liam cullinane
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    Jan 25th 2013, 6:11 PM

    Best of luck to him, just a pity wer losing our finest n sport & n work, but they’l back better even than they left

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    Mute Mr. Common Sense
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    Jan 25th 2013, 8:18 PM

    In the context of the impact it has on Irish rugby maybe it is time to embrace the concept and try to be more pro-active. The current tax breaks for rugby players dictates that those nearing the end of their careers cannot afford to go overseas. By opting to go now Sexton effectively loses his tax break and there is no financial incentive for him to ever again play his rugby in Ireland.
    Solution; amend the tax treatment to allow players to take a break from Irish rugby for a period of time, say 24 months. This allows the better players to reap the financial rewards they deserve and leave the door open and the incentive in place for them to return to Irish rugby.

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    Mute Liam Francis
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    Jan 25th 2013, 11:21 PM

    He will get his tax back if/when he comes back i.e. once he finishes his career here

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    Mute Brian O' Connor
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    Jan 26th 2013, 12:25 AM

    Just for the record two Leinster out-halfs of note Ollie Cambell and Paul Dean.

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    Mute Brian O' Connor
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    Jan 25th 2013, 9:45 PM

    Another possible problem for Sexton will be next year after the Six Nations and the Lions tour both in which I expect Sexton will play a prominent part, will be his lack of exposure in Ireland. Who in Ireland watches the French League? Any up and coming out half will be in the eye of the selectors in both the RaboDirect and the Heineken Cup. Will selectors bother to watch Sexton or just rely on media reports?

    I would regret to read a comment in the Journal in 18 months time to the effect of ” who is Johnny Sexton” .

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    Mute Liam Francis
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    Jan 26th 2013, 12:38 AM

    The Lions is this Summer and he’s not going to France until after the season.

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    Mute Jack Noone
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    Jan 26th 2013, 1:11 AM

    I watch the top14. It’s so much better than Rabo or Aviva Prem

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    Mute johnston819
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    Jan 25th 2013, 6:38 PM

    Sorry I mean he should not be considered an automatic choice.

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    Mute johnston819
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    Jan 25th 2013, 6:50 PM

    Brennan ended up assaulting an innocent fan. Completely different case.

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    Mute Chris Mcdonnell
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    Jan 26th 2013, 1:50 PM

    Innocent?

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    Mute liam cullinane
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    Jan 25th 2013, 7:17 PM

    A

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    Mute Brian O' Connor
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    Jan 26th 2013, 12:38 AM

    Also Tony Ward

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    Mute Fergal Doyle
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    Jan 26th 2013, 10:37 AM

    Very bad day for Irish rugby…. Very very bad!

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    Mute Al S Macthomais
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    Jan 26th 2013, 1:42 AM

    Start of the exodus to France or the UK as the Irish players now know their worth in the market place.

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