Johnny Sexton’s son delivers five-word message to dad after Ireland’s Rugby World Cup exit

October 15, 2023

An emotional Johnny Sexton has bowed out of rugby after Ireland were beaten by New Zealand in the quarter-finals of the Rugby World Cup.

The all-time great held back tears on the field as he looked on after the heartbreaking 28-24 loss to the All Blacks.

WATCH THE VIDEO ABOVE: Sexton’s son in tears after loss.

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There was no holding back for Sexton’s son Luca, who could be seen with tears streaming down his face as he hugged his dad.

But despite the crying, Luca was also spotted giving his dad a touching message.

Johnny Sexton with his son Luca after the loss to the All Blacks. Credit: Getty Images

It wasn’t picked up on the audio, but it was easy enough to read the lips.

“You’re still the best dad,” Luca said.

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Call it a jinx, call it a curse, call it a hoodoo. Call it whatever you want, at the end of the day it all boiled down to more Irish heartache.

It had been an eighth Rugby World Cup quarter-final for the Irish. And an eighth defeat.

For 38-year-old Sexton, it