Simon Zebo has backed Edwin Edogbo to “set the game alight” when he makes his international debut for Ireland against Italy on Saturday (2.10pm).
The 23-year-old Munster lock, who missed two years of rugby through injury, was called up to the Ireland squad as a training panellist ahead of the autumn internationals but concussion ruled him out of the trip to Chicago for the game against New Zealand.
But, after scoring three tries in nine games for Munster, the Cobh man had done enough to get back into contention and is on the bench as Ireland, having lost heavily to France in round one, bid to get their Guinness Six Nations campaign on track against the Italians.
Fellow Cork man Zebo, who won 35 Ireland caps between 2012 and 2017 told RTÉ Radio 1’s Inside Sport: “It is [a good news story].
“It’s a huge boost for Edwin. He’s been through the ringer with injuries.
“We used to travel, carpool up and down to Limerick every day when he had done his back-to-back Achilles injuries.
Edwin Edogbo has overcome two big injuries
“I know how tough it was and I know the toll it took on him.
“But you know what, it made him incredibly resilient and his mental strength is something else.
“But we all know about his ability on the pitch, so it’s a real feel-good story and I’ve no doubt he will set the game alight when he comes on because, as Andy [Farrell] referenced, he is a massive man.”
Edogbo stands 6ft 5in and weighs over 19 stone.
“He is a mountain of a man and he takes some stopping,” continued Zebo.
“So, fingers crossed he goes well.
“It’s daunting going into your first international camp and Edwin’s pretty laid back and relaxed and he can be quiet at the best of times.
“So, I’m sure they’ll bring the craic out of him and make him feel at home and there’s a great atmosphere and a great culture in that Irish squad.
“So, no doubt he’ll be excelling, but it’s always going to be a nervy couple of weeks in anticipation for your first camp.”
Meanwhile, Edogbo, whose younger brother Séan (above) made his senior Munster debut against Dragons last month, has spoken about his excitement at stepping up to the international stage.
“It’ll mean everything,” the Cobh Pirates and UCC clubman told Irish Rugby TV.
“I suppose representing my country at the highest level has been lifelong dream and it’ll be a moment of immense pride for me and my family and everyone who helped me get here.
“When I called my mom, she was under a bit of pressure at work.
“So she wanted to know the information as quickly as possible. So when I let her know, it was followed by a scream down the down the line.
“But no, she was over the moon and very happy for me.
“She’s been one of our biggest supporters, throughout when we first started playing, she’s always been there for the lifts for anything like that.
Ireland head coach Andy Farrell has made six changes to the team to face Italy in round two of the #SixNations #RTERugby #RTESport pic.twitter.com/ULP8A1vxqO
— RTÉ Sport (@RTEsport) February 12, 2026
“And it’s been a great support system for Séan and I throughout our whole career.
“So it’s very special having her there on Saturday.
“I suppose if you would have asked me say a year ago, would I be making my debut here now, I probably would have said no way.
“But again, it’s testimony to everyone who helped me get back all the month staff on friends and family and everyone who supported me over that tough period.
“Cobh will always have a special place in my heart, and I suppose to be able to represent them is something that I’ll take very seriously and something that I’m very prideful about.”
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