In 2011, when Grand Slam-chasing England visited the Aviva Stadium for the first time, Sexton saw a half-hole in the visitors defense after thirteen minutes. Sexton lunged for it, but Ashton was quick to respond, bringing Sexton to the ground with a grappling arm around his neck.
When the two were reunited this month, Sexton said, “You tried to take my head off!”
The touch judge indicated the need for a fine. Sexton performed brilliantly. Sexton was voted man of the match as Ireland went on to win 24-8.
Sexton got 124 caps for Ireland and the British and Irish Lions, this one being only one of them.
Following Ireland’s elimination by New Zealand in the round of eight, he gave up rugby.
Sexton was a part of a Rugby Union Weekly special that looked back at his great career with Ashton and broadcaster Chris Jones.
Sexton cherishes highlights from the thrilling 2023 quarterfinal
It was one of the best rugby matches Sexton has ever played in. Ireland’s 28-24 loss to New Zealand was a fierce, hard-hitting game, with their last, ineffective 37-phase attack slowing both sides down to almost walking speed.
