Rugby World Cup: No fairytale ending for Ireland’s Johnny Sexton as New Zealand win quarter-final

Ireland captain Johnny Sexton and coach Andy Farrell reflect on the heartbreaking Rugby World Cup quarter-final defeat to New Zealand that sent them home from France; The All Blacks will face Argentina in the semi-final on Friday after the Pumas win against Wales

Johnny Sexton signed as an Irish player following the defeat to New Zealand.

An emotional Johnny Sexton was left deflated after his dreams of retiring as an Irish player with a World Cup victory were shattered by a powerful All Blacks display.

New Zealand held on to win a grueling quarter-final against a truly impressive and ultimately devastated Ireland 28-24 in Paris and face Argentina in the semi-final on Friday.

For Irish captain Sexton, it was not the fairytale ending he, his team and his nation had hoped for.

“You have to work hard to get a fairytale ending, we didn’t get there and that’s just life,” said the 38-year-old Irish legend.

Sexton applauds Irish supporters at Stade de France

“We left nothing to chance, we ticked all the boxes and furnished the house.

“I’m very proud of the boys, proud of the nation, the country, we really couldn’t have done more.

“The margins are good, they gave us a beating on a few tries and we had to work really hard on our tries, that’s what champions do.

“Fair play to them, they’re a great team

“It’s been amazing, these last six weeks have been a dream. This band, these fans and I are just gutted that we can’t do it for them.

“I thought after a slow start we played well.

The All Blacks are heading to a fourth consecutive Rugby World Cup semi-final

“Fair play to the All Blacks, they are a very good team and well coached.”

Sexton retires as Ireland’s top scorer, having contributed 1,108 points in 119 matches.

Farrell praises Sexton as ‘best Irish player of all time’

Sexton reacts after Ireland score penalty try against All Blacks

Ireland head coach Andy Farrell paid tribute to Sexton after the match.

“He is, above all, an exceptional human being,” Farrell said. “He is probably the best player to have played for Ireland.

“It was a hell of a game and someone had to lose – unfortunately it was us.

Andy Farrell called Sexton the best Irish rugby player of all time

“I was so proud of how we came back and kept attacking them to the death.

“We had a good run but the sport can be cruel sometimes. I guess that’s why we love it.”