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Edwin Edogbo: Racist abuse will have marred Ireland debut, says Johnny Sexton

Ireland coach Johnny Sexton condemns online racist abuse of Edwin Edogbo which he says tarnished the 23-year-old’s international debut against Italy; IRFU investigation ongoing after reaffirming their zero-tolerance stance on racism

Tuesday 17 February 2026 16:28, UK

Dublin , Ireland - 14 February 2026; Edwin Edogbo of Ireland before the Guinness 6 Nations Rugby Championship match between Ireland and Italy at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin. (Photo By Ramsey Cardy/Sportsfile via Getty Images)
Image: Edwin Edogbo's Ireland debut was tarnished by online racist abuse

Ireland coach Johnny Sexton says online abuse directed at debutant Edwin Edogbo will have marred a special day for him and his family.

Munster second row Edogbo was targeted on social media after coming on as a replacement in Saturday's 20-13 Six Nations victory over Italy in Dublin.

The 23-year-old was born and raised in Cobh, County Cork to Nigerian parents.

"It's horrible to see in this day and age that it still can exist like that," Sexton told reporters ahead of Ireland's Six Nations trip to England.

"In terms of how is he? I think he's good, I don't think he would have paid too much attention to it and I don't know if he would have even seen most of it.

"He's a pretty humble guy, really level-headed, but it's not right some of the comments that were made.

"I feel for him, I feel for his family, which marred a pretty special day for him."

Edwin Edogbo won his first Ireland cap against Italy
Image: Edogbo, who warn born in Cork to Nigerian parents, won his first Ireland cap against Italy

Investigation ongoing into 'cowardly' racist abuse

Edogbo played the final 10 minutes against Italy after coming on for James Ryan.

He received a huge cheer from the Aviva Stadium crowd before helping Andy Farrell's side hold on for victory during a nail-biting finale.

But posts on the IRFU's X and Instagram accounts celebrating Edogbo's first cap attracted a number of racist comments.

In a statement, an Irish Rugby Football Union spokesperson said: "We're aware of some targeted abuse online in recent days and continue to work with Signify (a data technology company which specialises in protecting against online abuse) and the relevant authorities to report it.

"We will also continue to fully support all affected by the cowardly actions of a minority and investigations are underway alongside our partners Signify.

"It is clear that racist abuse has no place in Irish society and the IRFU has a zero tolerance policy towards racism of any form."

Ireland's 2026 Six Nations fixtures

All times UK and Ireland

  • France 36-14 Ireland (Thursday February 5) - Stade de France, Paris
  • Ireland 20-13 Italy (Saturday February 14) - Aviva Stadium, Dublin
  • vs England (Saturday February 21) - Allianz Stadium, Twickenham (2.10pm)
  • vs Wales (Friday March 6) - Aviva Stadium, Dublin (8.10pm)
  • vs Scotland (Saturday 14 March) - Aviva Stadium, Dublin (2.10pm)

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