L’Equipe cuts into Johnny Sexton and Leinster

France sports newspaper L'Equipe has heavily criticised Leinster's performance against Toulon on Sunday, with some particularly cutting comments about Johnny Sexton.

Leo Cullen's side were knocked out of the Champions Cup after their 24-9 loss to Toulon at the Stade Felix Mayol. After receiving boos and whistles while kicking, former Racing 92 flyhalf Sexton received a knock on the head in yet another under par performance since his return to Leinster.

“Sexton, the idol of Ireland, who returned home, yesterday played as he often did during his time at Racing 92: transparent, making multiple poor decisions. Visibly, completely out of touch, he symbolises the impotence of his club,” L’Equipe said.

From there a number of mistakes compounded the 30-year-old’s poor performance as the home crowd continued to jeer and whistle.

“As in 2013, the Irish certainly won’t see the knock-out phase of the tournament. In the Celtic League, they are currently fourth, seven points behind Llanelli. The season is in danger of being a long one in Dublin,” the French sportspaper concluded.