Avatar photo

By Sports Reporter

Journalist


WATCH: ‘Good guy’ Frans Steyn ‘isn’t a dirty player’

'Victim' Jonny Sexton defends the former Springboks' poor judgement but the video evidence was pretty damning.


Some might disagree but Leinster and Ireland flyhalf Jonny Sexton is adamant former Springbok Frans Steyn isn’t a dirty player.

Sexton was at the receiving end of a sickening blow from a high tackle that led to the enigmatic utility back, who plays for Jake White at the French club Montpellier, being sent off with a red card.

World Rugby, the sport’s governing body, only recently announced stronger punishment for any illegal tackling.

Yet even though Sexton was left dazed for a few moments, he defended his opposite number following Leinster’s massive 57-3  win.

“I know Frans well and he’s a good guy,” Sexton told Sky Sports afterwards.

“It looked like I was ducking down into it a little bit so it could have been accidental. But with these new laws, I suppose you can’t afford to be reckless.

“It probably was a yellow card before, now it’s a red. And I felt for him because he’s not a dirty player and it was probably accidental.”

Also read: WP’s move for SP Marais spells bad news about Cheslin Kolbe

The loss was also a depressing way for White, a former Springbok coach, to end his European campaign with Montpellier.

He’ll be leaving the team at the conclusion of the current season.

For more sport your way, follow The Citizen on Facebook and Twitter.

 

For more news your way

Download our app and read this and other great stories on the move. Available for Android and iOS.