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

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.”

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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.

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