The Z Factor

For almost fifteen years Simon Zebo has been the embodiment of all this is good in Munster Rugby. That’s why he will be missed.

Sport is an impure construct. From aggression to drugs, politics to abuse; the traditional grá is long forgotten in modern discourse. The only real purity within sport nowadays is the connection between a young fan and their team. Kids just do it better than us sometimes, and players know this. The momentary actions of a player can be life long memories for a fan. Simon Zebo was one of those players for me.

For the best part of fifteen years, Zebo has been a fan favourite in Munster. From young to old, everyone in Thomond or Musgrave were drawn in by his unflappable aura. When he wasn’t celebrating one of his many tries, he was being serenaded by supporters. “Zeebs”, as he is more affectionately known, has been the beacon of light through some of Munster’s highest and lowest times.

As the former Ireland, Lions and Racing winger today announced his retirement, I felt it would be only fitting to look back on the sporting and cultural impact that Zebo left on Munster, for that was his true Z factor.

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It would be easy to say Simon Zebo was a star from minute one in red, but that would be hyperbolic. However, his rise to prominence started a few months prior as the Ireland under-20 side won their second Six Nations title. The Cork Con flyer was a bright spark in an exciting backline that also featured Andrew Conway. He made his Munster debut the following April, but the real burst on to the scene would be another while away.

The 2011/12 season was to be where Irish rugby found its newest star. Zebo featured 19 times for Munster that year, scoring a whopping 12 tries, including that famous hat-trick against Northampton. Although Munster’s season limped to a dreary end, the future was bright on that left wing.

From there the fan club was launched and people never looked back. Zebo made his Ireland debut in 2012, led Munster to agonising Heineken Cup semi final losses in 2013 and 2014, and a Pro12 Final defeat in 2014. He featured in Ireland’s 2015 Six Nations triumph and the Rugby World Cup later that year.

2016-17, Zebo’s penultimate season in his first stint at his native province, was probably the toughest. As the province mourned the loss of Anthony Foley, the squad went to the well to do everyone proud. Zebo was at the forefront of that, with stellar performances in Europe. He was also at his brilliant best for Ireland as they defeated the All Blacks for the first time in history. The Cork man became Mr. Dependable for club and country, all the while emerging as an elite full-back in red.

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Less than two years later, and just a year prior to the next World Cup,  Zebo upped sticks and headed to Paris, where he would take Racing 92 by storm. His first season in France, 2018/19, was to be a career best. Although Racing failed to make the final four domestically or in Europe, Zebo wracked up 16 tries in 23 starts. Although he would fail to hit the same heights in the next two seasons, it wasn’t for lack of trying. Maybe on another day, or with another out-half, Simon Zebo’s brace in the 2020 Champions Cup final would have bestowed him with a winners medal in the competition he dominated.

The return to Limerick was met with widespread fanfare and excitement. At a time where the world was void of good news due to a global pandemic, Munster fans were in disbelief as the prodigal son returned home. His first game was a surreal experience for those in attendance. Not only had we been eagerly anticipating a return to the stands, but Zebo’s brace reminded us as to why we missed him. Queue the chants of “Ze-bo”.

Although he had a relatively successful return season, the legendary winger was sidelined and usurped for most of Munster’s 2023 title winning campaign. That in and of itself has made this year all the sweeter. With his contract expiring and retirement murmurings gaining traction,  the autumnal rising has been a joy to watch. Zebo showed his worth in big games, especially against Leinster, Toulon and the Bulls. A man for the big moments regardless of age.

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As I mentioned in the subheading, I feel like Simon Zebo epitomised all that is good about Munster Rugby, and to a lesser extent Irish rugby. What made the rise of the game in Ireland so unique was the strong community vibe that ran from the clubs into the provinces. Having local lads who grew up infatuated by their province going on to represent that team brought with it an indistinguishable passion, not seen in other elite clubs. People like Simon Zebo are the modern representation of this, and the evolution to modernity.

Simon Zebo is not your typical pro rugby player, but that’s a part of the charm. Zebo is a mixed race Irishman, and although that brings its own lowlife begrudgers, it is a real anomaly in Irish rugby. Despite the fast-paced change in the makeup of the Irish population, there have been very few professional mixed race rugby players in Ireland. Zebo has been a trend setter, who has hopefully opened up rugby’s stuffy barriers. That sort of impact is immeasurable but invaluable.

Zebo’s “Z Factor” was often used as a punditry trope to fill time, but for fans it was non-negotiable. Never before has Thomond responded to one of their own like they did for Zebo, and we may never see the likes of it again. His famous Z celebration became a trademark of the man and the character, and one that always got a rye smile from the man himself, and a cheer from those in the stands. That in turn would lead to the aforementioned chanting of his name, which Zebo often responded to, almost in a cyclical manner.

That fun loving personality was never a facade though. It extended beyond the confines of the sidelines, spilling over to pre-game, post-game and daily interactions. For fans of all ages, these meetings leave a lasting memory, one that could be quickly spoiled. That rarely held true for Zebo however. He is an everyman just like you or I. He was always up for a quick chat and a joke, so often at someone’s expense, followed by a smile and a photo. Simon Zebo just got what it meant to be a Munster Rugby player, because he is a Munster Rugby person.

You could argue that that alone is what made his departure and Irish exile such a divisive topic. In reality it was the unwritten IRFU rules that filled the column inches, but Munster fans had an affinity to Zebo, almost like a parental oversight. Everyone wanted him to succeed, they wanted him to be the poster boy that Irish rugby has longed for, and often never gotten. So by virtue this spilled over into wanting Racing to succeed, and when that fell flat, wanting Zebo to finish career back home.

Family is a core pillar of the Munster ethos, and will always be the dominant reason behind the timings of Zebo’s departure and return. He was able to explore fresh opportunities while his children were still young. No one begrudges him of this, but that doesn’t mean he wasn’t welcomed back with open arms as if we had been watching paint dry during his three year hiatus.

I was at that Sharks game in the first “Post Covid” match with a crowd, and although you cannot place the buzz entirely at Zebo’s feet, you cannot deny that he wasn’t a factor. There has always been a messianic air around Zebo. Although what doesn’t get mentioned is that the return worked wonders within the camp. His larger than life personality adds a vibrancy to the day to day grind. Some would call it unprofessional, but I would argue it is an important cog in any squad. 

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I will never forget sitting in the west stand as Simon Zebo scored his first try in Thomond Park. I will never forget the heel flick versus Wales, the hat-trick in Milton Keynes, that try against the All Blacks or his return game post Covid. Some of my greatest memories following Munster involve Simon Zebo. I will also never forget the different times that I met the man himself. Looking back now I realise that he was a mature young man, probably around the same age as I am now, but he handled himself and his dealings with fans superbly. That can never be forgotten. 

You see, Zeebs has been a constant. He has been a breath of fresh air when the province needed him most. He has carried the connection between fans and players for his entire stint. Simon Zebo has been the character that we adored through thick and thin. A cheeky Cork kid who was emboldened by critics, and empowered by the Munster faithful.

Simon Zebo is Munster in its purest form. Passionate, loveable, and just one of us. That is why so many fell in love with him. That is why we will miss him. For that I say:

Thank you Zeebs.

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