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18 Feb 2026 9:27
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  •   Home > News > Sports > Rugby

    Irish rugby to investigate racial abuse towards Test debutant Edwin Edogbo

    The Irish Rugby Football Union has said it will launch an investigation after turning comments off a social media post that congratulated the country's newest Test debutant.


    The Irish Rugby Football Union says it will launch an investigation after turning comments off a social media post that congratulated the country's newest Test debutant. 

    Edwin Edogbo made his Test debut last week in the Six Nations Championship, as Ireland defeated Italy 20-13. 

    Edogbo, born to Nigerian parents in County Cork, plays for the provincial side Munster in the United Rugby Championship. 

    Following his debut, the IRFU posted a photograph of Edogbo to celebrate his achievement, but had to turn comments off the post due to racial abuse.

    "We're aware of some targeted abuse online in recent days and continue to work with Signify and the relevant authorities to report it," the IRFU said in a statement, as reported by the BBC.

    "We will also continue to fully support all affected by the cowardly actions of a minority and investigations are under way 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."

    Edogbo made an impact off the bench as Ireland claimed the nervy win, their first of this year's Six Nations.

    His contribution was acknowledged post-match by head coach Andy Farrell, who described the 23-year-old's journey to the Irish team as "phenomenal".

    "Well, we need to celebrate Edwin's first cap, that is for sure because it's one amazing story," Farrell said.

    "I am so pleased that we were able to get a win and show some fight to be able to get a win for him because his story is a phenomenal one, so we will celebrate that with him."

    Ireland head to London to face England in the third round of the Six Nations this weekend.

    © 2026 ABC Australian Broadcasting Corporation. All rights reserved

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