Johnny Sexton has been given a three-match ban which rules him out of Ireland's Rugby World Cup warm-up matches, but he is free to play in their tournament opener against Romania on September 9. An independent disciplinary committee found Sexton had been "confrontational and aggressive" towards referee Jaco Peyer and his fellow officials in the aftermath of Leinster’s Champions Cup final defeat to La Rochelle in May. He will miss Ireland’s games against Italy, England, and Samoa next month, depriving him of the chance to build up his match fitness following a lengthy spell on the sidelines with a groin injury. Leinster have also been handed a suspended fine of £7,500 [€8,750]. European Professional Club Rugby [EPCR] said in a statement: "Johnny Sexton admitted misconduct. The disciplinary committee found his behaviour confrontational and aggressive towards and disrespectful of the match officials. "It included his pointing his finger at them and shouting at them something to this ...