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Munster's Antoine Frisch lays Test allegiances on the table
By Ian Cameron
Munster's Antoine Frisch has made his international rugby intentions clear in an a revealing interview with L'Equipe in France.
Despite being part of Munster's squad and having the potential to play for Ireland, Frisch was called up to France's Six Nations squad, a move that has apparently confirmed his aspirations to play for France and not Ireland.
"I have been in contact with Fabien Galthié for a long time, and this contact has never been interrupted," Frisch stated, highlighting his ongoing dialogue with the French head coach. "From the moment I was called into the France group, it became very clear to me. I want to play for France."
Realistically his decision could have major impact on whether or not remains at Munster. With his allegiances now pinned to the mast, it means the IRFU will look far less favourably on keeping on the books at Munster as a defacto non-Irish qualified player.
As first reported by RugbyPass, this decision comes amidst interest from Top 14 clubs Toulon and Montpellier, who are considering bringing the Munster outside centre back to France, even though he has a year remaining on his contract with the Irish province.
Born in Fontainebleau and a graduate of Loughborough University, Frisch moved to Munster in 2022 from Bristol Bears and has since become a key player, scoring four tries in 15 appearances this season.
Despite being called into the France squad, Frisch did not play in the recent match against England, and therefore remains uncapped and still eligible for both countries.
The centre even qualifies for England through his mother, although playing in either Ireland or France would make him ineligible to represent Steve Borthwick's side.
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Latest Comments
Ahh too many OK 7’s out there at the moment, would have loved to have Harmon (and Boshier from Panasonic) included on that list (although I don’t know what I’m looking at with those stats!). I would love to see another 7 come through like Cane (who VdF has molded off), who was a real attacking machine before his neck injury and inability to turn his head/upper body to pass or catch properly forced his style to change. No sure McReight is it, he looks more like a canny McCaw than the blasters Hooper and Cane were. The real issue is what use can Schmidt mold out of his ability and skills in just two short seasons. I think Cale could do a lot of the more skillful stuff. McReight is probably best to knuckle down and do the core duties a modern day Cane performs for the other two loosies (if he’s the best Schmidt has to play with at 7).
Go to commentsI’ve little doubt that England is comfortably the No 1 team and not only beat other teams but beat them easily. Not so sure about France. They should be No 2 after winning 3 of last 4 matches against NZ and only a straightforward missed kick prevented it from being 4 out of 4. However, then they inexplicably lost to Canada and Wallaroos in WXV. I thought the NZ match was their “cup final” and they took the others lightly, but they were not particularly impressive in 6N except in flashes. I think they have stood still whilst Canada and England have moved forward but I don't think Canada has the depth and their team is ageing. I agree NZ not moving forward. What will be interesting is how the Wallaroos fare against NZ and then again in their September match against Ireland and then in WXV2 against other 6N teams. I was surprised they lost to USA.
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