Simon Zebo facts for kids

Quick facts for kids
Simon Zebo

Zebo in 2017
Date of birth	(1990-03-16) 16 March 1990 (age 35)
Place of birth	Cork, Ireland
Height	1.88 m (6 ft 2 in)
Weight	99 kg (15.6 st; 218 lb)
School	Presentation Brothers College
Rugby union career
Position(s) Wing, Fullback Amateur team(s) Years Team Apps (Points) 2007–2012 Cork Constitution () Senior career Years Team Apps (Points) 2010–2018 Munster 144 (300) 2018–2021 Racing 92 60 (125) 2021–2024 Munster 32 (65) Correct as of 15 June 2024 National team(s) Years Team Apps (Points) 2010 Ireland U20 9 (18) 2012–2014 Ireland Wolfhounds 2 (5) 2012–2017 Ireland 35 (45) Correct as of 17 June 2017

Simon Zebo (born 16 March 1990) is a former Irish rugby union player. He was known for playing as a wing or fullback. Zebo played for famous clubs like Munster and Racing 92. He also represented his country, Ireland, and the special team, the British and Irish Lions.

Early Life and Sports Beginnings

Simon Zebo was born in Cork, Ireland. He went to Beaumont Boys School and Presentation Brothers College, Cork. When he was younger, Simon played other sports too. He played hurling for Blackrock GAA and association football (soccer) for Avondale United.

Playing for Munster

Simon Zebo spent many years playing for the Munster rugby team. He joined them in 2010 and played until 2018, then returned for another period from 2021 to 2024.

Starting Out with Munster (2010–2013)

Zebo played his first game for Munster on 18 April 2010. He scored his first try (like a touchdown in rugby) for the team in April 2011. His first game in the big Heineken Cup was in December 2011.

In January 2012, Zebo scored three tries in one Heineken Cup game! This is called a "hat-trick." He was even named the "Man-of-the-Match" for his great performance. He signed a new three-year contract with Munster in January 2013. He became the first player ever to score two Heineken Cup hat-tricks in less than a year. He was also named Munster's Young Player of the Year for the 2012–13 season.

Zebo playing against Harlequins in the 2012–13 Heineken Cup.

Key Moments with Munster (2014–2018)

After recovering from a foot injury, Zebo returned to play in January 2014. He helped Munster reach the Heineken Cup quarter-finals and semi-finals that season. In September 2014, he scored another hat-trick of tries and was named Man-of-the-Match.

Zebo continued to be a top scorer for Munster. In March 2015, he equaled a record for the most league tries for Munster. Soon after, he broke that record, becoming Munster's all-time leading try-scorer in the league. He also earned his 100th cap (meaning he played 100 games) for Munster in April 2016.

In October 2017, it was announced that Zebo would leave Munster at the end of the 2017–18 season. His last game for Munster was in May 2018.

Playing in France with Racing 92

In January 2018, French club Racing 92 announced that Simon Zebo would join them. He made his first appearance for Racing 92 in August 2018. He scored his first try for the team in September 2018.

During a game in January 2019, Zebo faced some unfair treatment from a fan. The club quickly took action and banned the person responsible.

Zebo played in the 2020 European Rugby Champions Cup Final in October 2020. He scored two tries in the final, showing his amazing skills. His last game for Racing 92 was in June 2021.

Coming Back to Munster

After three seasons in France, Zebo decided to return to his home team, Munster, for the 2021–22 season. He even took a lower salary to come back!

He made his "second debut" for Munster in September 2021, scoring two tries in his first game back. In January 2022, Zebo signed a new two-year contract with Munster. He continued to break records, becoming Munster's all-time leading try-scorer in the European Champions Cup with 25 tries. He also became the leading Irish try-scorer in the competition, passing Brian O'Driscoll.

In February 2022, Zebo played his 150th game for Munster. He also scored another hat-trick of tries in a game against Edinburgh. He retired from playing rugby at the end of the 2023-2024 season.

Playing for Ireland

Simon Zebo also played for the Ireland national team.

Early International Career (2012–2015)

Zebo first joined the Ireland training squad in 2012. He made his senior Ireland debut on 9 June 2012. He scored his first try for Ireland in November 2012.

In February 2013, he made his Six Nations debut, scoring a try as Ireland beat Wales. He was recognized for his talent, winning the "Supporters' Player of the Year" award in May 2013.

Zebo continued to play for Ireland in various tournaments. He scored tries against Argentina, Georgia, and Australia in 2014. In 2015, he was part of the Ireland team that won the Six Nations Championship. This was special because it was the first time Ireland won back-to-back championships since 1948–49. He was also chosen for the 2015 Rugby World Cup squad.

Later International Appearances (2016–2021)

In November 2016, Zebo scored a try in a historic game where Ireland beat New Zealand (the All Blacks) for the very first time! He played in every game of the 2017 Six Nations Championship.

After playing in France for a few years, Zebo returned to the Ireland squad in 2021.

British & Irish Lions

In 2013, Simon Zebo was called up to join the special British & Irish Lions team. This team is made up of the best players from England, Ireland, Scotland, and Wales. He played in several games during their tour in Australia.

Retirement

Simon Zebo announced on 21 May 2024 that he would be retiring from playing rugby at the end of the season.

Personal Life

Simon Zebo's father, Arthur, is a French athlete from Martinique, and his mother, Lynda, is Irish. His older sister, Jessika, has represented Ireland as a hurdler. Simon is married to Elvira Fernández. They have four children: Jacob, Sofia, Noah, and Isabella. The couple got married in August 2022.

Images for kids

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  Zebo in 2017