Gloucester prop Afo Fasogbon: 'I'm quite chilled off the pitch - until it's time to go to work'
Afo Fasogbon, the towering 6ft 4in, 130kg Gloucester prop, has been making waves in the rugby world, even before he officially arrived on the internet's radar. Viral video footage of him challenging the more experienced Ellis Genge in a scrummaging duel at Kingsholm last year quickly spread across the web, showcasing his potential. With England's tight-head position currently light due to injuries, Fasogbon's time to shine may have arrived.
The 21-year-old's physical prowess is evident in his recent weight-training achievements, lifting an impressive 225kg for three back squat reps in the gym. Off the field, he's a different character, according to his mates, who describe him as 'pretty wired' and 'chilled off the pitch' until it's time to get to work. This contrast between his on-field and off-field personas is a common theme in rugby.
Fasogbon's competitive edge has been honed through tough environments with the England Under-20s, where he's had to perform under pressure and create his own atmosphere. This experience has shaped his approach to the game. His journey to rugby stardom began in a football-loving community in Colindale, north London, where he barely knew what rugby was until he was 13. Despite the negative views of rugby in his community, Fasogbon's talent was evident, and he's now a role model for big city kids outside the usual rugby catchment areas.
However, Fasogbon's rugby career is still in its early stages. He's only made 15 starts in the Premiership, and consistency is his next goal. Gloucester's director of rugby, George Skivington, acknowledges that Fasogbon needs to tighten up certain aspects of his game, but when he's on top of his game, he's exceptional. The challenge for Fasogbon is to consistently perform at a high level, which will determine his ceiling and potential.
Fasogbon's family and community will be eagerly watching his progress. His parents, Bobby and Olubunmi, raised in Nigeria, will be incredibly proud if he makes his Six Nations debut, which would be a significant milestone for the family. Social media will also be abuzz if he makes his debut alongside Genge in the spring. Despite the viral Kingsholm wave incident, Fasogbon maintains that everyone's a different character on the field compared to off it, and he's ready to take on the challenge of a senior cap in 2026.
