EPCR statement: Johnny Sexton banned

Ireland flyhalf and captain Johnny Sexton has been handed a three-game ban by the European Professional Club Rugby (EPCR) following his outbursts towards referee Jaco Peyper and other match officials after Leinster's defeat in the European Champions Cup Final.

The incident took place on May 20 at Dublin's Aviva Stadium, where Leinster suffered a narrow 27-26 loss to La Rochelle.

Despite being sidelined due to a groin injury, Sexton entered the pitch after the match and engaged in what appeared to be a heated exchange with Peyper and the officials. As a result, EPCR launched a misconduct complaint against the 37-year-old flyhalf and Leinster, citing a lack of reasonable control over their player.

The EPCR conducted a "thorough investigation" and review of Sexton's actions before submitting the misconduct complaints. The complaints prompted an independent disciplinary panel chaired by Christopher Quinlan KC, which Sexton appeared before via video conference call on Thursday.

The ban means that Sexton will be unavailable for all of Ireland's Rugby World Cup warm-up matches.  Ireland is scheduled to face Italy on August 5 in their opening warm-up game, followed by matches against England and Samoa later in the month.

An independent disciplinary committee found Sexton had been "confrontational and aggressive" towards referee Jaco Peyer and his team of officials following the final whistle being blown at Aviva Stadium.

European Professional Club Rugby [EPCR] said in a statement: "Johnny Sexton admitted misconduct. The disciplinary committee found his behaviour confrontational and aggressive towards and disrespectful of the match officials.

"It included his pointing his finger at them and shouting at them something to this effect: 'It's a disgrace you guys can't get the big decisions right' probably accompanied by expletives 'most likely the f-word'.

"His conduct was obviously unsportsmanlike and brought the sport of rugby union into disrepute.

"Having regard to the full circumstances of the misconduct and the mitigation which is set out in detail in the written reasons, the disciplinary committee concluded that the appropriate and proportionate sanction was an immediate suspension of three matches."

Leinster have also been handed a suspended fine of £7,500 [€8,750].

Ireland’s first World Cup fixture against Romania is set for September 9 in Bordeaux, which Sexton will be available for.