‘I feel for him’ – Sexton says racist abuse ‘marred’ Edogbo debut
ByMatt GaultBBC Sport NI senior journalist
- Published7 minutes ago
Former Ireland captain Johnny Sexton says he does not think Edwin Edogbo "paid too much attention" to the racist abuse that was directed at him following his international debut.
The Irish Rugby Football Union (IRFU) had to turn off comments on a social media post which congratulated the player on coming off the bench in the Six Nations game against Italy because of replies which contained racial abuse.
On Tuesday, the IRFU said it is hopeful "we can bring something to the Gardai (Irish police)" following the abuse.
"It's horrible to see that in this day and age, it still exists like that," said Ireland assistant coach Sexton.
"In terms of how he is, 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, it marred a pretty special day for him."
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'We're doing it differently' – Sexton on developing fly-halves
Sexton was speaking before Ireland's match against England on Saturday amid ongoing uncertainty over the long-term incumbent of the number 10 jersey he wore with distinction before retiring in 2023.
Sam Prendergast has started both Six Nations games this year, but it remains to be seen if head coach Andy Farrell sticks with the 23-year-old Leinster player or gives Jack Crowley, Ciaran Frawley or Harry Byrne the chance to impress against England.
"It's important that not only those two but Frawley and Harry Byrne, as well, that they keep developing and getting game-time," added Sexton, who won 118 Ireland caps.
"So there are four guys and all the criticism from previous World Cup cycles is that we didn't develop guys, and we have relied too heavily on one [player] in some positions.
"So we're doing it a different way now and whether that's right or wrong, everyone judges it by the outcome but I know that in games to come, they're going to hit their best form and they'll be in a good place."
Sexton added: "All four are very good, they've all got their different strengths and as coaches I think we are trying to make sure that we have lots of options going to a World Cup, try and learn from previous cycles and make sure that we give them all a certain number of caps.
"We need to make sure that we see their form in different pressurised situations, in different venues against different opposition and yeah, I'm sure it will be like that for the foreseeable."