WORLD Rugby CEO Alan Gilpin says that Ireland were within their rights to start Johnny Sexton in the second Test against the All Blacks in Dunedin last month.
Sexton, Ireland's captain and playmaker, was withdrawn in the first Test defeat for the tourists after colliding with New Zealand skipper Sam Cane.
He was selected by Andy Farrell for the second Test that Ireland won and, prior to the game, the decision to play the 37-year-old was questioned by All Blacks head coach Ian Foster and criticised by safety campaigners.
