Ireland coach Johnny Sexton says online abuse directed at debutant Edwin Edogbo will have marred a special day for him and his family.
Munster second row Edogbo was targeted on social media after coming on as a replacement in Saturday's 20-13 Six Nations victory over Italy in Dublin.
The 23-year-old was born and raised in Cobh, County Cork to Nigerian parents.
"It's horrible to see in this day and age that it still can exist like that," Sexton told reporters ahead of Ireland's Six Nations trip to England.
"In terms of how is he? I think he's good, I don't think he would have paid too much attention to it and I don't know if he would have even seen most of it.
"He's a pretty humble guy, really level-headed, but it's not right some of the comments that were made.
"I feel for him, I feel for his family, which marred a pretty special day for him."
Edogbo played the final 10 minutes against Italy after coming on for James Ryan.
He received a huge cheer from the Aviva Stadium crowd before helping Andy Farrell's side hold on for victory during a nail-biting finale.
But posts on the IRFU's X and Instagram accounts celebrating Edogbo's first cap attracted a number of racist comments.
In a statement, an Irish Rugby Football Union spokesperson said: "We're aware of some targeted abuse online in recent days and continue to work with Signify (a data technology company which specialises in protecting against online abuse) and the relevant authorities to report it.
"We will also continue to fully support all affected by the cowardly actions of a minority and investigations are underway alongside our partners Signify.
"It is clear that racist abuse has no place in Irish society and the IRFU has a zero tolerance policy towards racism of any form."
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