Edwin Edogbo pens new Munster deal to keep lock at province until 2029

Munster's Edwin Edogbo. Pic: Tom O'Hanlon/Inpho

Munster have laid down another important marker to their future by securing homegrown Ireland international Edwin Edogbo until at least 2029.

The province on Thursday announced a two-year contract extension for the 23-year-old Cobh Pirates and UCC graduate, the first from the East Cork club to join the Munster academy in 2021, with head coach Clayton McMillan describing the lock as having an important role to play in what the New Zealander hopes will be future success.

"Edwin is a talented young player with a physical profile that is highly sought after in the modern game,” McMillan said. “He has the size, athleticism and work ethic to make a significant impact at the highest level.

"We're grateful that Edwin has chosen to commit his future to Munster. He has worked hard through some challenging setbacks and is an important part of what we are building here. We look forward to seeing him continue to develop and fulfil his potential in the years ahead."

Edogbo, whose younger brother Sean, a back row, was promoted from the academy to the senior squad this summer, has scored seven tries in 31 appearances for Munster but is yet to make his seasonal debut. 

He returned to training earlier this week following a shoulder surgery sustained at the tail end of last season, a campaign in which he made his Ireland debut against Italy in this year’s Six Nations.

The second row overcame a serious Achilles tendon injury while in the academy to make his Munster debut at Dragons in 2022 and he made eight appearances during the URC title-winning campaign of 2022-23.

An impressive start to the 2023-24 campaign was cut short by another Achilles injury against Leinster in December and Edogbo missed the entire 24-25 season, but returned to action against Edinburgh 12 months ago and started the URC win over Leinster at Croke Park. A Champions Cup debut came at Bath in December, one of 16 appearances for Munster last season.

Munster are hoping to have Edogbo back in action in the coming weeks, though this Saturday’s Champions Cup pool opener, when Racing 92 visit Cork’s Supervalu Páirc Uí Chaoimh, has likely come too soon.

Munster general manager Ian Costello said the province had staved off interest from clubs overseas as he welcomed the two-year contract extension.

"We are delighted that Edwin has made the decision to commit his future to Munster, despite significant interest from clubs across Europe,” Costello said.

"He is part of an exciting group of emerging home-grown players that are pivotal to the future success of the club. Edwin possesses unique qualities and has the potential to excel at the highest level.

"We look forward to supporting his continued development and seeing him fulfil that potential in both a Munster and an Irish shirt."