EP: 98 Topsy Ojo

The Rugby Dungeon

Ojo was born in Tottenham, London. His father, Akin Ojo, a thoracic surgeon, and his mother Bola Ojo (née Ibidapo-Obe) are from south-west Nigeria,[2] where Temitope is a common Yoruba name. Topsy Ojo started to play rugby unionat Dartford Grammar School at the age of eleven, as well as going on to captain the 1st XV. He also represented Kent and London & South-East Schools at both U16 and U18. After he starting playing some under-19 trial matches and being recommended for the London Irish Academy he went on to join the Sunbury based Academy in July 2003.

He made his English club debut in September 2005 in a match against London Wasps.[3] By April 2006 he had joined the full London Irish squad, and now plays wing.

Ojo has been tipped to replace Tom Varndell as "the hottest young finisher" by the BBC.[4] He finished the 2005-06 Guinness Premiership season with 14 games in the starting line-up with 7 tries. That season, Ojo started in the final of the European Challenge Cup, losing to Gloucester Rugby.[5] Despite only being at the club a few years, he has quickly become a firm favourite with the crowd.[citation needed]

Ojo scored a try in London Irish's first premiership game of the 2006–07 season, in which they defeated promoted Harlequins during the London Double Header at Twickenham.[6]

Ojo scored a try against Stade Toulousain in the 2008 Heineken Cup Semi-final.[7]

2013/14 was Topsy Ojo's testimonial season for London Irish.

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