Ireland Captain, Sexton, given 3-match ban but will play in World Cup opener against Romania

Ireland captain Johnny Sexton has been given a three-match ban that will see him miss his country's three Rugby World Cup warm-up matches.

The 38-year-old star is not allowed to play in their games against Italy, England and Samoa, but will be available for Ireland's World Cup opener against Romania on the 10th of September.

BBC reports that he was handed the punishment after he admitted misconduct towards match officials following Leinster's Heineken Champions Cup final defeat by La Rochelle in May.

The European Professional Club Rugby disciplinary committee found Sexton's behaviour "confrontational and aggressive towards and disrespectful of the match officials".

Leinster have also been handed a suspended fine of more than FJ$21,000.

Both the club and Sexton have the right to appeal the decisions by Wednesday.

BBC