One of the beauties of underage high-profile sporting tournaments is the “hello world” moment that tend to last long in the memory. Here at home we think of David Clifford in 2016 for St. Brendan’s, Joe Canning for the Galway Under-21’s or Robbie Keane and Ireland’s European Under-18 Championship glory in 1998. Luckily the Ireland U20s rugby team has had a list of standouts over the years, with 2024 set to be owned by Sean Edogbo.
Most of the floating rugby fans will not be familiar with Sean, and even his brother Edwin still flies under the radar with Munster. That however will most likely change in the coming years. These proud Cork men are highly thought of in the Munster High Performance Centre, with a real sense of excitement about them. The Edogbo brothers are physical and abrasive beyond the gym; talented and humble and are making the people of Cobh proud.
A stick used to beat the Ireland men’s seniors, U20s and women’s national teams has been the lack of diversity and representation across the island. Thankfully, guys like Sean Edogbo are breaking down that barrier. He in fact inspired his older brother into the sport, and the rest is history. The dynamic duo both togged out for Cobh Pirates across their youths before joining UCC’s AIL team after finishing school, and that is where he made his first imprint on the scene.
In an AIL fixture against Old Belvedere in Dublin, the explosive back row burst free from his own 22, taking off like a flash. The youngster would run the remaining 80 or so metres unopposed for a true worldie of a try.
Sean Edogbo
Remember the name
The full version: pic.twitter.com/HlQy5RYP5z
— Justin Middleton (@rugbybroadcastr) January 15, 2023
Sean Edogbo in the 2024 U20s Six Nations
This try, and some impressive performances in the league, has led to quite a bit of hype behind Edogbo in recent times, including upon selection to Richie Murphy’s Ireland U20 squad for this year’s Six Nations. However, the excitement was softened when he was not selected for the opening round tie with France, although he did come onto the replacements bench in Round 2 as Italy came to Cork. That’s when the wider public was introduced to the rising prodigy.
With the game still in the melting pot, Edogbo was sprung from the bench just after the hour mark in place of fellow Munster back-rower Luke Murphy. His first action was chasing back a kick through to deny the Azzurri a crucial late try. After some robust carries and bulldozing ruck entries, his next impact was jaw-dropping.
Following some wonderful attacking phase play and offloading, Hugh Gavin released the flanker down the wing, with a straight run to the line. With a screaming local support, as well as his own indescribable physical attributes, it was Edogbo versus Mirko Belloni… and there could only be one winner. From 25 odd metres out Sean took off like a man possessed, and one one was going to stop the Cork youngster from his moment of glory in the county he calls home.
Something so satisfying about this Sean Edogbo try.
The Italian centre just bounced right off him. pic.twitter.com/wv8fPwFiAW
— Balls.ie (@ballsdotie) February 9, 2024
This was not to be a flash in the pan moment either, with Edogbo starting and scoring in Ireland’s landslide Round 3 victory over Wales a fortnight later.
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Edogbo started from the bench in the nail-biter draw against England in Bath last Friday but will wear the number 6 shirt tonight as Ireland face Scotland. Ireland are in a great position to retain their Championship but they'll have to beat Scotland with a bonus point first.
The Ireland U20s Match Day Squad for Friday's sold-out finale against Scotland in Cork! 🟢#FutureIsGreen
— Irish Rugby (@IrishRugby) March 13, 2024
The future looks bright for Sean Edogbo. In Ian Costello, Andi Kyriacou, Denis Leamy, Mike Prendergast and Graham Rowntree; Munster have a lift of esteemed coaches who know how to protect and nourish young back row forwards. Just look at Tom Ahern, John Hodnett, Alex Kendellen, Gavin Coombes and Brian Gleeson. All of which have progressed to new heights in the last eighteen months, showing a clear vision and eye for talent fulfilment in Limerick.
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