- By Matt Gault
- ` Sport NI at the Stade de France
1 hour ago
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Ireland and Wales are eliminated from the World Cup after quarter-final defeats
Ireland head coach Andy Farrell said he was “incredibly proud” of his players as they crashed out of the World Cup quarter-finals with defeat to New Zealand in Paris.
The Irish pushed the All Blacks to the end but failed, failing to reach the semi-finals for the first time in Johnny Sexton’s final game.
When Sexton retired, it felt like “the end” for that group, Farrell said.
“Sports can be cruel sometimes,” Farrell said.
“But I am incredibly proud of the group for how they have conducted themselves, not just today but over the last few years.”
It was hoped Ireland would go all the way at this year’s World Cup after building a remarkable 17-match winning streak that included a series win in New Zealand, a Grand Slam and a statement win in Pool B over world champions South Africa.
They were completely outplayed when Ireland lost to the All Blacks in the 2019 quarter-finals, but the world number one saw off New Zealand until the end in another mesmerizing evening at the Stade de France.
Refusal to go down with a whimper gave Farrell some comfort in the anguish of Ireland’s eighth quarter-final exit in the quadrennial Rugby Championship.
“I mean, when you go out with a whimper, it’s pretty hard to take, isn’t it? “We deserve a little bit more from ourselves and we haven’t done that, have we,” added Farrell, who said veteran winger Keith Earls will follow Sexton into retirement.
“To be honest, I’m immensely proud of absolutely everyone involved with Irish rugby. The staffing has been tremendous over the last four years.”
“It has been a pleasure to work with the players, not just in this squad but also the players we have used over the four-year cycle. And not only that, the connection with the fans, it seems like it’s all one big family.”
“I think the sad thing for us now is that it’s probably the end for this group. Obviously it applies to Johnny (Sexton) and Keith Earls will be retiring as well.”
“Over the next 24 hours it is time to ensure we get smiles back on our faces as quickly as possible and celebrate the incredible careers and contributions they have made to Irish rugby.”
While Ireland’s World Cup campaign came to a shocking end, Farrell remains convinced the future is bright for Irish rugby.
“Just knowing what we have, what kind of character we have, what kind of people we have, what kind of players, staff, drive to want to wear the green jersey, etc.,” he said when asked why he believes this team will continue to grow.
“It’s the end for this team because people will leave, but the competition that this team has built over the years will remain because of his leadership, certainly in the last few years.”
“The talent we have in Ireland will continue to shine and continue to challenge, I have no doubt about that.”
Ireland will achieve great things without me – Sexton
image source, Getty Images
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Sexton was joined on the pitch by his son Luca as he applauded the Irish fans one last time
It is the end of the road for Sexton, who is hanging up the green jersey for the final time after a 14-year Test career in which he won 119 caps and four Six Nations titles, including two Grand Slams.
“The last few years, certainly in the green jersey, have been the best of my career,” said the outgoing Ireland captain, barely keeping his emotions under control in the post-match press conference.
“It’s an incredible place to live and I’m going to miss that. But I’m also grateful that I’m sitting here at 38 years old and have experienced a few ups and downs.”
“I’ll probably think about it a little more in the next few weeks and spend time with my family.”
When asked about his message to Irish fans, Sexton said: “Thank you very much. How can you be prouder to be Irish when you see what has really happened in the last six weeks? We stand behind the team like no one else, it’s incredible and it’s not wasted on us.
“That’s really why it’s so hard to take that we didn’t give them a few more weekends.”
“This group will bounce back. They are an incredible group, led by the man at my side. The best group I’ve ever been a part of, bar none.”
“These boys will go on and achieve great things and I’ll be sitting in the stands drinking a pint like you guys.”
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