The Irish Rugby Football Union is examining what it described as “cowardly” racist abuse aimed at Edwin Edogbo following his senior international debut.
The Munster Rugby lock was subjected to abuse on social media after coming off the bench in Saturday’s 20-13 Six Nations Championship win over Italy national rugby union team in Dublin, reports RTE.
The 23-year-old was born and brought up in Cobh to Nigerian parents.
Messages posted under the IRFU’s accounts on X and Instagram marking Edogbo’s first cap included a number of racist remarks, reports RTE.
In a statement, an IRFU 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.
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“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,” reports RTE.
Edogbo featured for the closing 10 minutes of the Italy match after replacing James Ryan.
He was greeted with a loud ovation from the Aviva Stadium crowd and helped Ireland national rugby union team secure the win under head coach Andy Farrell during a tense finish, reports RTE.
“I think my main goal with this campaign – I’ve had a few chances with ‘Faz’ (Farrell) and a few chats with Paulie (O’Connell) – I just want to learn as much as possible,” said Edogbo.
“Obviously every player wants to play all the games but I understand this is a very special place, a very privileged place to be and it takes time.
“I think ‘Faz’ did an interview about how I need to find my feet and he’s 100% right, there is an element of knowing the system, knowing your team-mates and ultimately international rugby is a different beast.
“I suppose I got a taste of that and I know from that little block I had there, there’s a lot of work to be done and I’m looking forward to it,” reports RTE.
Ireland resume their Six Nations campaign on Saturday with a clash against England national rugby union team at Twickenham Stadium.
The squad trained on Monday, and the medical staff confirmed there were no new injury issues arising from the Italy fixture, reports RTE.
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