Johnny Sexton with his son Luca after Ireland’s World Cup exit (PA)
Johnny Sexton shared a touching moment with his son on the pitch after Ireland’s defeat to New Zealand in the Rugby World Cup on Saturday evening.
The All Blacks edged out Ireland 28-24 in a thrilling contest in Paris to set up a semi-final with Argentina.
The match represents Sexton’s final game of his career and the 38-year-old was clearly emotional after his side’s loss to New Zealand.
And as he walked around the pitch after the final whistle, Sexton received words of support from his nine-year-old son, Luca, who told his father: ‘You’re the best dad.’
‘I’m very proud of the boys, I’m proud of the nation and the country,’ the legendary fly half said.’ Sexton said.
‘We couldn’t have done anymore. We got over the line towards the end and it is just fine margins.
‘We felt they sucker punched us with a few tries and we had to work really hard for our scores. That’s what champions do. They are a great team. We knew they were going to be a massive challenge and we fell just short.”
New Zealand edged out Ireland in a thrilling quarter-final tie in Paris (AFP via Getty)
‘It’s been amazing. The last six weeks has been a dream. This group. These fans. I’m just gutted that we couldn’t do it for them.
‘You have to work hard for fairy-tale endings and we didn’t get it and that is just life
Johnny Sexton has now played his final game for Ireland (AFP via Getty)
‘We didn’t leave a stone unturned. We ticked every box. We trained the house down and I thought after a slow enough start we played pretty well tonight.
‘A few decisions and a bounce of the ball away from scoring a try. Fair play to the All Blacks. They are a very good team and they are well coached. Fair play to them.’
‘You’re the best dad.’