‘I feel for him’ – Sexton says racist abuse ‘marred’ Edogbo debut

Former Ireland captain Johnny Sexton has said 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 that congratulated the Cork-born player for coming off the bench in the Six Nations game against Italy because of replies that contained racial abuse.

On Tuesday, the IRFU said it is hopeful “we can bring something to the Gardai [Irish police]” regarding 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.

Sexton was speaking before Ireland’s match against England on Saturday amid ongoing uncertainty over who will in the long term fill the number 10 jersey he wore with distinction.

Sam Prendergast has started both Six Nations games this year, but head coach Andy Farrell has Jack Crowley, Ciaran Frawley and Harry Byrne as options against England.

“It’s important that they all 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.”

The former British and Irish Lions fly-half emphasised Ireland’s eagerness to have strength in depth for next year’s World Cup.

“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,” he added.