'You're still the best dad' - Heartwarming moment captured between Johnny Sexton and his son

Johnny went into the tournament with hopes of ending his career on a high, but they fell narrowly short in Paris on Saturday.

New Zealand produced a magnificent display to defeat Andy Farrell's men 28-24 at the Stade de France, which ultimately proved to be the fly-half's final game of professional rugby.

Ireland were understandably dejected, but they went around the field to say thank you to their magnificent supporters when Luca appeared to utter the words, "You're still the best dad."

That young man just said 'You're still the best dad' 😢

Hard luck Johnny Sexton, you and your team gave everything.#IREvNZL pic.twitter.com/LIvDHhKnSA

— Jimbo Powlerio (@JimboPowlerio) October 14, 2023

It was a beautiful moment and one which tugged at the heartstrings of the fans.

One supporter wrote on X, formerly known as Twitter: "That's class well done young man," while another added: "He's right. We're going to miss Sexton. Gutted for Ireland but what an amazing few years for us!"

The loss was brutal for Sexton and Ireland, who once again have to make do with a quarter-final exit.

They have yet to reach the semi-finals of a World Cup and that hoodoo will last at least another four years

The general feeling of the squad was just sheer dejection but Sexton also took exception to something said, seemingly by New Zealand's Rieko Ioane.

Ireland's legendary pivot responded angrily when Ioane turned away, saying a few choice words in the direction of the All Blacks centre.

Replacement back-row Jack Conan tried to calm him down before he turned to shake the hands of lock duo Scott Barrett and Brodie Retallick.

READ MORE: Johnny Sexton looks back on career following Ireland's heartbreaking World Cup exit