John Sexton (rugby union)

Not to be confused with Johnny Sexton.

John Francis Sexton (born Dublin, 27 June 1963)^[1][2] is a former rugby union player who played for Dublin University,^[3] Lansdowne,^[4] Leinster^[5] and Ireland^[1] as a wing.^[3]

International career

Sexton made his debut for Ireland in a home match against England on 23 April 1988, which Ireland lost 10-21,^[6] and in which he was beaten for a try by Rory Underwood.^[7]

He was selected for the 1988 tour of France in May 1988, and played in all four matches: a defeat against Côte Basque in Biarritz on the 12th,^[8] a victory against France in Auch on the 14th,^[9] a defeat against France in Lorient on 18 May 1988,^[10] and a defeat against the French Barbarians on the 22nd.^[11]

He played at home against Western Samoa on 29 October 1988, scoring the last of Ireland's eight tries in a 49-22 victory,^[12] and in the home victory against Italy on 31 December 1988.^[13] His final test cap came in the opening match of the 1989 Five Nations Championship, a home defeat to eventual champions France on 21 January 1989.^[14]

He was selected for the 1989 tour of North America, playing in the victory over British Columbia in Vancouver on 30 August,^[15] scoring a last-minute winning try against Canada in Victoria on 2 September,^[16] and playing in the victory over the United States on 9 September.^[17]

References

1. Sporting Heroes: John Sexton
2. ESPN: John Sexton, Ireland
3. "Selection shambles indicts the system". Sunday Tribune. 10 April 1988. Retrieved 17 March 2019 – via British Newspaper Archive.
4. "Eyes on the ball". Irish Independent. 27 November 1989. Retrieved 17 March 2019 – via British Newspaper Archive.
5. "Sexton injury forces Leinster to switch". Irish Independent. 21 October 1989. Retrieved 17 March 2019 – via British Newspaper Archive.
6. "Defeat confirms frailties". Sunday Tribune. 24 April 1988. Retrieved 17 March 2019 – via British Newspaper Archive.
7. "Column: Kieran Rooney". Sunday Independent. 24 April 1988. Retrieved 17 March 2019 – via British Newspaper Archive.
8. "Irish fade after good opening burst". Irish Independent. 13 May 1988. Retrieved 17 March 2019 – via British Newspaper Archive.
9. "Salute truly famous victory". Sunday Independent. 15 May 1988. Retrieved 17 March 2019 – via British Newspaper Archive.
10. "'Fighting' French flatten Ireland!". Irish Independent. 19 May 1988. Retrieved 17 March 2019 – via British Newspaper Archive.
11. "Barbarians prove too hot for Ireland". Irish Independent. 23 May 1988. Retrieved 17 March 2019 – via British Newspaper Archive.
12. "Ireland victory is a mixed blessing". Sunday Life. 30 October 1988. Retrieved 17 March 2019 – via British Newspaper Archive.
13. "Ireland's pack to the wall". Sunday Tribune. 1 January 1989. Retrieved 17 March 2019 – via British Newspaper Archive.
14. "Super French break down Ireland defence". Sunday Independent. 22 January 1989. Retrieved 17 March 2019 – via British Newspaper Archive.
15. "Late try from Kienan saves lucky Ireland". Evening Herald. 31 August 1989. Retrieved 17 March 2019 – via British Newspaper Archive.
16. "Sexton speeds to the rescue". Sunday Independent. 3 September 1989. Retrieved 17 March 2019 – via British Newspaper Archive.
17. "Ireland come back to subdue flightless Eagles". Sunday Tribune. 10 September 1989. Retrieved 17 March 2019 – via British Newspaper Archive.