Leinster fly-half Johnny Sexton is to appear before an independent disciplinary panel on July 13 over "misconduct complaints" arising from last month's Champions Cup final, organisers EPCR said Thursday.
The 37-year-old Irish captain, with 113 caps to his name, is to retire from Test rugby after this year's Rugby World Cup in France, but risks a lengthy ban should he be found guilty of misconduct.
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Sexton was injured for the May 20 final which La Rochelle won 27-26, but exchanged words with South African referee Jaco Peyper at the end of the match in Dublin.
The EPCR said the decision to proceed with a panel hearing had been made to hear Sexton's case.
“Misconduct complaints against the Leinster Rugby player, Johnny Sexton, and against Leinster Rugby, arising from the Heineken Champions Cup final on Saturday 20 May 2023, have been lodged by EPCR," the statement read.
“After thorough fact finding and careful review of Johnny Sexton’s behaviour towards match officials after the match, in accordance with EPCR regulations, the EPCR Disciplinary Officer has submitted misconduct complaints so that an independent disciplinary panel can determine whether any misconduct has been committed by Mr Sexton (through his behaviour) and Leinster (through failing to exercise reasonable control over Mr Sexton)."
Sexton reportedly swore at Peyper and his match officials after the Irish giants were eliminated by La Rochelle.
Leinster looked set to claim the title, only for their 17-0 lead to vanish as the French club claimed back-to-back titles by a point.
After the final whistle, an irate Sexton reportedly approached the match officials, swearing and wagging an admonishing finger in the direction of Peyper.
Ireland will open their World Cup campaign against September 9, with Sexton sweating on the result of the panel to determine his availability.
