An Irish rugby writer has slammed All Black centre Rieko Ioane’s “classless” gesture after his team’s win over Ireland at the Rugby World Cup.

A picture taken by a Getty photographer showed that Ioane cupped his ear towards Irish fans who had been vocal throughout the quarterfinal showdown at the Stade de France.

His actions didn’t impress the Irish Times’ Gerry Thornley.

“Ioane, in a classless gesture, put his finger to his lips while looking at the Irish crowd, and then felt compelled to bid farewell to Sexton,” the rugby correspondent, who was at the match, wrote.

Ioane also appeared to draw the ire of departing Ireland captain Johnny Sexton.

Footage captured Sexton appearing to aim a spray at Ioane as he walked past him on the field after the game.

However, the All Blacks later formed a guard of honour for Sexton and the defeated Irish, clapping them down the tunnel.

All Blacks coach Ian Foster also paid his respects to Sexton at the post-match media conference.

“We know how much it hurts, but when we reflect on his career, we see how great he has been for Ireland. He is great at decision-making, and he plays an outstanding game, and the fact that he has been playing at this level proves it. Congratulations on his outstanding career,” Foster said.

“He’s been massively successful for them. If we hadn’t won, we would have a number of iconic players we would be saying goodbye to, too.”

Source: TVNZ