Andy Farrell condemns disgusting racist abuse of Ireland’s Edwin Edogbo

Ireland head coach Andy Farrell has condemned “disgusting” racist abuse directed at lock Edwin Edogbo following his international debut against Italy.

The Irish Rugby Football Union (IRFU) is investigating online comments targeted at the 23-year-old after the 20-13 Six Nations victory in Dublin.

Edogbo, who was born and raised in Cork to Nigerian parents, featured as a replacement in the win over the Azzurri.

Farrell has offered his full support to the Munster second row, urging him to “crack on” and ignore the abuse.

Farrell backs player’s strength

“First and foremost, it’s all about the player, nothing but about how he is and how it’s affecting him or not,” said Farrell.

“We’ve had the conversation and he’s fine, thankfully. But it’s obviously disgusting. There’s no need for it in society.”

The Ireland boss insisted he would not validate the perpetrators by reading the specific comments.

“I don’t want to give people anything to even think that I’m even commenting on some of the stuff that has been said really because they certainly don’t deserve that,” he added.

“But as far as I’m concerned, Edwin’s fine, he’s strong, he’s been brought up in the right way.”

Family values praised

Farrell highlighted the strong upbringing of the young forward, noting his father works “all hours” as an A&E nurse in Cork.

“He’s made of the right stuff, and that’s why he’s able to just crack on and ignore all the BS,” Farrell explained.

Despite a promising cameo against Italy, Edogbo has been left out of the matchday squad for the upcoming trip to Twickenham.

Selection decisions for England

Joe McCarthy and James Ryan will continue their partnership in the engine room for the crucial Six Nations clash.

Tadhg Beirne, starting at blindside flanker, provides cover for the second row in the absence of a specialist lock on the bench.

Farrell suggested the intensity of a game against England factored into the decision regarding the rookie.

“The occasion, when you’re coming on as a new-ish player in a big game like that at Twickenham, are you going to have it in your legs in the last 10 minutes or not?” he asked.

“There’s a difference there in that regard, but I suppose Joe McCarthy’s big enough and strong enough.”