Johnny Sexton condemns racist abuse aimed at Edwin Edogbo after Ireland debut

The former Ireland captain backs rookie lock after racist trolling while fly-half rivalry intensifies ahead of Twickenham showdown

IRISH PRIDE: Ireland's Ronan Kelleher, Edwin Edogbo and Tadhg Beirne during the national anthems. Pic: Inpho

Johnny Sexton believes Edwin Edogbo has been unaffected by the online abuse aimed at the rookie lock following his Ireland debut but described the racist social media trolling as “horrible”.

The 23-year-old Cobh, Co. Cork native with Nigerian parentage made his Ireland debut off the bench against Italy last Saturday, an event celebrated by coaches, players and supporters at a sold-out Aviva Stadium as he was introduced with 10 minutes remaining in the 20-13 Guinness Six Nations victory and at post-match functions.