Jonny Sexton leaving Leinster *mod warning post 1*

ssaye

ssaye wrote: »

Will Jonny and the IRFU's relationship now not 100% I wonder will his International performances dip or thrive. Bowe thrived international while at Ospreys but French League diff to RABO?

Is this true?

I mean seriously, I'm sure JS is a pretty reasonable guy. He knows that the IRFU couldn't match the Racing offer, and the Racing offer is worth an entire year to him (work 2, get paid for 3 basically).

I wouldn't be surprised if it was an amicable but resigned acceptance of the situation from both parties.

edit

Like this

Deleted User wrote: »

This is going to be a tricky situation I feel. And I couldn't begrudge anyone a thing if the conversation went like this.

JS: They've offered me €1.9m over two years. Said I'd be available for each international window.
IRFU: we can give you €1.2m - don't forget the tax rebate.
JS: That €1.9 is net
IRFU: Oh. We can't afford that.
JS: I know, I'm going to have to take it. It's too much money. I would like to come back and fight for a place in 2 years time though.

(numbers wrong obviously)

Fishooks13

IRFU to make a statement shortly

thomond2006

ssaye wrote: »

Will Jonny and the IRFU's relationship now not 100% I wonder will his International performances dip or thrive. Bowe thrived international while at Ospreys but French League diff to RABO?

Nah

ssaye

Deleted User wrote: »

Is this true?

I mean seriously, I'm sure JS is a pretty reasonable guy. He knows that the IRFU couldn't match the Racing offer, and the Racing offer is worth an entire year to him (work 2, get paid for 3 basically).

I wouldn't be surprised if it was an amicable but resigned acceptance of the situation from both parties.

I made an assumption if they dont want to pay him what he thinks he deserves its prob not 100%, imo

thomond2006

ssaye wrote: »

I made an assumption if they dont want to pay him what he thinks he deserves its prob not 100%, imo

Sexton will be coming back to Ireland before the end of his career most likely, nobody wants to burn bridges.

Fishooks13

ssaye wrote: »

I made an assumption if they dont want to pay him what he thinks he deserves its prob not 100%, imo

It's not that the IRFU were being mean. But they simply can't afford to play hard ball with the French clubs

justsomebloke

thomond2006 wrote: »

If Leinster's HEC success dries up then it won't have been a good financial decision. We'll see...

ah if Leinster's success dries up it will be more to do with players like Darce, BOD and Cullen getting to the end of their playing careers.

Madigan is adequate cover for Sexton however the bigger problem is that we now don't have cover for Madigan

Fishooks13

Leinster supporters tweeting now wishing Sexton luck with Racing

ssaye

Fishooks13 wrote: »

It's not that the IRFU were being mean. But they simply can't afford to play hard ball with the French clubs

Typing when you are shocked the wording often comes out wrong. Its a huge huge story once confirmed and I am bitterly disapointed but he owes nothing.

CIARAN_BOYLE

justsomebloke wrote: »

Madigan is adequate cover for Sexton however the bigger problem is that we now don't have cover for Madigan

Thats why Conway is going to Munster. Its a swap with Hanrahan;)

totallegend

Fishooks13 wrote: »

It's not that the IRFU were being mean. But they simply can't afford to play hard ball with the French clubs

Since the IRFU, in their infinite and foot-shooting stupidity, have decided that the national team is the be-all and end-all of rugby, this is a GREAT outcome for them.

The highest-paid player in Irish rugby is now off the payroll, having been developed by Leinster into the best out-half in Europe, but they will still be able to call on him for the national side but at a fraction of the cost. Meanwhile, they get to see if Ian Madigan can also develop into an international OH.

Jonny gets a bump in pay and a couple of years living in Paris.

The only losers here are Leinster and their fans.

F**k you, IRFU.

Fishooks13

http://www.irishtimes.com/sports/rugby/2013/0125/1224329278106.html Confirmed

Mod Edit - This isn't a confirmation, this is the IT saying that he is believed to have signed

justsomebloke

CIARAN_BOYLE wrote: »

Thats why Conway is going to Munster. Its a swap with Hanrahan;)

The only thing that could make Sexton decision worse is if we start hearing of Leinster players swapping with Ulster

justsomebloke

Fishooks13 wrote: »

http://www.irishtimes.com/sports/rugby/2013/0125/1224329278106.html Confirmed

That isn't a confirmed source yet

totallegend

justsomebloke wrote: »

That isn't a confirmed source yet

+1; first line is "Jonny Sexton is believed to have signed..."

ssaye

totallegend wrote: »

Since the IRFU, in their infinite and foot-shooting stupidity, have decided that the national team is the be-all and end-all of rugby, this is a GREAT outcome for them.

The highest-paid player in Irish rugby is now off the payroll, having been developed by Leinster into the best out-half in Europe, but will still be able to call on him for the national side but at a fraction of the cost. Meanwhile, they get to see if Ian Madigan can also develop into an international OH.

Jonny gets a bump in pay and a couple of years living in Paris.

The only losers here are Leinster and their fans.

F**k you, IRFU.

Just read that thinking
MONEY, MONEY, MONEY,MONEY....MONAAAAAAAAYYYYYYYYY

Spot on

Otacon

Fishooks13 wrote: »

http://www.irishtimes.com/sports/rugby/2013/0125/1224329278106.html Confirmed

Ireland and Leinster outhalf Jonathan Sexton is believed to have signed a two-year contract with French side Racing Metro this morning having turned down a final offer from the IRFU.

Not confirmed yet.

Micky Dolenz

The squad is bigger then one player. I think he is making a good move. It'll do his pocket and his skill level the power of good.

ScissorPaperRock

totallegend wrote: »

Since the IRFU, in their infinite and foot-shooting stupidity, have decided that the national team is the be-all and end-all of rugby, this is a GREAT outcome for them.

The highest-paid player in Irish rugby is now off the payroll, having been developed by Leinster into the best out-half in Europe, but they will still be able to call on him for the national side but at a fraction of the cost. Meanwhile, they get to see if Ian Madigan can also develop into an international OH.

Jonny gets a bump in pay and a couple of years living in Paris.

The only losers here are Leinster and their fans.

F**k you, IRFU.

If they can't afford him they can't afford him. However unfortunate.

Fishooks13

justsomebloke wrote: »

That isn't a confirmed source yet

totallegend wrote: »

+1; first line is "Jonny Sexton is believed to have signed..."

It wouldn't be on the IT's if they weren't 100 per cent

They're just waiting for the IRFU statement

totallegend

Confirmed

http://www.irishrugby.ie/news/28190.php

The Irish Rugby Football Union has been informed that Johnny Sexton will not be renewing his contract to remain playing full time in Ireland from the end of this season.






Philip Browne, IRFU Chief Executive said: "We are very disappointed, as we know the Irish rugby public will be, that Johnny Sexton will not be playing his rugby full time in Ireland from next season. Johnny is a major talent and his full time presence in Ireland will be missed, particularly by Leinster.
"We wish Johnny continued success with his career and he will receive all the support he needs over the next number of weeks in what we know was a very difficult decision for him.

"While we remained in the fight right up until the last possible moment to keep Johnny in Ireland with a very strong offer, ultimately, following negotiations with the player's agent, we had no option but to take the decision that it would not be in the best interest of Irish rugby to chase the reported financial incentives being offered.

"The IRFU has made a commitment to, and been largely successful in, keeping as many Irish players as possible playing full time in Ireland. However, we have always recognised that some of our players will be targeted by overseas clubs with offers which, quite simply, are not within our orbit.

"While Johnny has made the decision to move on to a new club, the IRFU is fully committed, together with the provinces, to maintaining its programme of nurturing and retaining Irish rugby talent. We feel that the benefits of the careful and considered management of those players will allow us to maintain this policy."

Leinster Coach Joe Schmidt said, "Naturally, I'm disappointed. I've really enjoyed Johnny's input over the last few years and he has added tremendous value to the Leinster environment both on and off the field. The offer he has received is exceptional, even by French standards, but I know that it was still a tough decision for him."

GerM

phog wrote: »

He'll be a huge loss to Leinster but I really dont think it's a devastating as some here seem to think. Some here thinking that Leinster won't qualify for the knock-out games and particular the final of the H/cup, cant see it having that much impact, ok, would Leinster have beaten Saints in Cardiff without him, maybe not but then there are teams getting to finals every year with a squad a lot weaker than Leinster.

If he goes then I wish him the best of luck, he truely deserves it.

Leinster wouldn't have been in Cardiff without him let alone win there. The same is true last year. They wouldn't have beaten Clermont. They wouldn't have won away in Glasgow where they left him on the field on one leg.

Sexton is by far the most important player in Leinster. Madigan has been steadily improving. I hope he's ready to step up but if Sexton leaves, Leinster will cease to be strong contenders for the HEC overnight.

Fishooks13

Philip Browne, IRFU Chief Executive said: “We are very disappointed, as we know the Irish rugby public will be, that Johnny Sexton will not be playing his rugby full time in Ireland from next season. Johnny is a major talent and his full time presence in Ireland will be missed, particularly by Leinster. We wish Johnny continued success with his career and he will receive all the support he needs over the next number of weeks in what we know was a very difficult decision for him.

“While we remained in the fight right up until the last possible moment to keep Johnny in Ireland with a very strong offer, ultimately, following negotiations with the player’s agent, we had no option but to take the decision that it would not be in the best interest of Irish rugby to chase the reported financial incentives being offered.

“The IRFU has made a commitment to, and been largely successful in, keeping as many Irish players as possible playing full time in Ireland. However, we have always recognised that some of our players will be targeted by overseas clubs with offers which, quite simply, are not within our orbit.

“While Johnny has made the decision to move on to a new club, the IRFU is fully committed, together with the provinces, to maintaining its programme of nurturing and retaining Irish rugby talent. We feel that the benefits of the careful and considered management of those players will allow us to maintain this policy."

Leinster Coach Joe Schmidt said, “Naturally, I’m disappointed. I’ve really enjoyed Johnny’s input over the last few years and he has added tremendous value to the Leinster environment both on and off the field. The offer he has received is exceptional, even by French standards, but I know that it was still a tough decision for him.”

IRF statement

P_1

phog wrote: »

So Leinster were allowed to ofer him a contract despite your earlier claim that they couldn't.

Only after the negotiations with the IRFU broke down. That is not a good way of doing business no matter what way you look at it.

Clareman

Either NoC or RoG to Leinster then

danthefan

GerM wrote: »

Leinster wouldn't have been in Cardiff without him let alone win there. The same is true last year. They wouldn't have beaten Clermont. They wouldn't have won away in Glasgow where they left him on the field on one leg.

Sexton is by far the most important player in Leinster. Madigan has been steadily improving. I hope he's ready to step up but if Sexton leaves, Leinster will cease to be strong contenders for the HEC overnight.

His 10/11 season was, imo, as good as any 10 has ever managed in the HEC. Think he was over 90% kicking, scored 5 tries, and created lord knows how many others. Along with being rock solid in defence and just a really high level of general play. Not to mention the final.

Utopia Parkway

evil_seed wrote: »

I don't see what all the fuss is about myself

Well he's the first big Irish player to move to France and usually one going can lead to more going. Just look at the Welsh.

Probably won't hurt the Ireland team too much but not good for the provinces or the Rabo if top players start decamping to France.

P_1

Ok so based on the IRFU's statement the negotiations between them and Sexton have broken down.

Is there anything to stop Leinster from negotiating with Sexton with a view to keeping him?

danthefan

Confirmed!

http://www.irishrugby.ie/news/28190.php

darragh_haven

CIARAN_BOYLE wrote: »

Thats why Conway is going to Munster. Its a swap with Hanrahan;)

No Fecking way!, hands off....:mad:

GerM

Goodnight, sweet prince.

Clareman

P_1 wrote: »

Ok so based on the IRFU's statement the negotiations between them and Sexton have broken down.

Is there anything to stop Leinster from negotiating with Sexton with a view to keeping him?

Leinster wouldn't be allowed offer a player more than a central contract amount, any money they were to pay outside of their normal pay structures would have to be approved by the IRFU.

Fishooks13

Clareman wrote: »

Leinster wouldn't be allowed offer a player more than a central contract amount, any money they were to pay outside of their normal pay structures would have to be approved by the IRFU.

Not to mention that they wouldn't be able to afford it

EmacB

Bad bad news http://www.leinsterrugby.ie/newsroom/10923.php

Madigan continuing to improve makes it not as bad, but this is still terrible for leinster's trophy chances.

Hoop66

What a bunch of muppets the IRFU are.

ssaye

Fishooks13 wrote: »

Not to mention that they wouldn't be able to afford it

That millionaire might give us a few bob to outbid Toulon or whoever for Dan Carter for 2 years to ease the blow. :pac:

P_1

Clareman wrote: »

Leinster wouldn't be allowed offer a player more than a central contract amount, any money they were to pay outside of their normal pay structures would have to be approved by the IRFU.

I posted this on the Blazers thread:
Look at the deal the FAI negotiated with Trappatoni.

FAI pays half, Denis O'Brien pays the other half.

Now Leinster Rugby have a very good admin team behind the scenes, what's stopping them from working out a similar deal with a wealthy benefactor to outbid Racing Metro?

So Leinster pay 350k, the benefactor pays the other 350k, Sexton gets 700k, Racing have been outbidded and everybody is happy.

tolosenc

Utopia Parkway wrote: »

Well he's the first big Irish player to move to France and usually one going can lead to more going. Just look at the Welsh.

Probably won't hurt the Ireland team too much but not good for the provinces or the Rabo if top players start decamping to France.

French clubs were already sniffing around Zebo. Now, when his contract is coming to an end in another year's time, hill just ring his mate Jonny and ask what it's like, to which Jonny will respond: "Loadsa dosh, loadsa rugby, great lifestyle, do it" and we'll lose another bright light.

That said, it's not been confirmed where Sexton is going. Could be Japan or the Miami Dolphins for all we know.

4PP

Well someone better tell the French or there'll be noone to meet him at the airport!

fitz

Fishooks13 wrote: »

Not to mention that they wouldn't be able to afford it

Can't understand why the provinces aren't allowed to supplement the IRFU offer in cases like this...

Fishooks13

Hoop66 wrote: »

What a bunch of muppets the IRFU are.

How? How are they muppets?

Cienciano

Thread title can be changed now as it's confirmed
Will madigan start all leinsters games for the rest of the season? Give him the best start for next

harvester of sorrow

Bad day for irish rugby,im not a big fan of Sexton,but you cant deny he's skill,ability and sheer dedication.
Big loss to Leinster.

ironingbored

Jonny has been an amazing player for Leinster since coming on in 2009 HC SF.

He will be sadly missed but wish him the very best; he deserves it.

It will also give Madigan the same opportunity Jonny had to step up to the plate and make the Leinster 10 his.

Following this announcement, I'm even more convinced than before that Amlin/Pro12 double is on the cards.

tolosenc

So Hagz, going to change your sig?

Principal Skinner

Madigan, Jackson and keatly should be the three out halves Ireland have in the squad from now on.

We have to send a message that, by all means go to France, but you won't be picks internationally

.ak

P_1 wrote: »

I posted this on the Blazers thread:
Look at the deal the FAI negotiated with Trappatoni.

FAI pays half, Denis O'Brien pays the other half.

Now Leinster Rugby have a very good admin team behind the scenes, what's stopping them from working out a similar deal with a wealthy benefactor to outbid Racing Metro?

So Leinster pay 350k, the benefactor pays the other 350k, Sexton gets 700k, Racing have been outbidded and everybody is happy.

It was probably already looked at, and still not affordable.

Winters

fitz wrote: »

Can't understand why the provinces aren't allowed to supplement the IRFU offer in cases like this...

The provinces money IS the IRFUs money.

Richard Hillman

Ok i have a plan. The IRFU deal is finished but if we get 20,000 Leinster fans to direct debit €1 a week, Johnny gets a €1 million a year contract and we get to keep Johnny. Everyones a winner bar the IRFU who will have to pay for his services to play for Ireland.

I find it hard to believe that we cant get €1 a week from people for Johnny Sexton

JohnFalstaff

Very disappointing to see Sexton go. Hopefully this is not the start of an exodus of this country's top players.

Maybe some Leinster supporters might now understand the strength of feeling that Mike McCarthy's move provoked in Connacht circles. It's never easy losing one of your best players.