Simon Zebo went into Saturday’s game in Wales with more unanswered questions about his, doubtlessly huge, potential than international caps on his record. He came out of it as something of a symbol of the hope for a new generation of Irish rugby. While Brian O’Driscoll was reminding us of the genius that drove some of Irish rugby’s best years, Simon Zebo, along with Craig Gilroy, was giving hope that irish rugby's dreams might not have to fade away with the all too soon departure of the veteran from Clontarf.
Zebo’s flick in the build-up to Cian Healy’s try in the first half had commentators, fans and fellow players in awe. It was showboating but effective, it was unlike anything you expect on a rugby field and, naturally, it’s raised his profile somewhat. That he had scored a try earlier in the game seemed to become something of a footnote to The Flick.
With the upsurge in interest in Zebo we thought we should provide a bit of background to Ireland’s newest star. A Zebo cheat sheet, if you will.
So, here’s some of the more pertinent information about Irish rugby's newest star. Follow the links below to watch some of the Munster wing's finest moments.
- Born: 16 march 1990 (Age 22)
- Birthplace: Cork, Ireland
- Height:6ft 2in
- Weight:94kg (14st)
- Position: Wing/fullback
- Heinekin Cup Debut: Scarlets, December 2011
- Ireland caps: 4 (1 in Six Nations)
- Ireland tries: 2
- Educated: PBC Presentation Brothers College Cork (as were Ronan O’Gara, Declan Kidney and Peter Stringer)
- Speaks fluent French
- Ran 100m in 11.15 seconds in school
- His mother is from Cork and his father from the Caribbean island of Martinique. His father moved to France to complete military service, at the age of 19. He would have run, for France, in the 1976 Montreal Olympics but suffered a broken leg before the games. His sister has represented Ireland in the 400 metres.
Additional reporting: Gavin Barrett
