Major setback for Munster as Antoine Frisch declares intention to play for France
Antoine Frisch during Munster rugby squad training
Munster's Irish-qualified centre Antoine Frisch has declared that he wants to play for France, the country of his birth.
Despite moving to Munster two years and making it clear that he wanted to represent the country where his grandmother was born, Frisch has seemingly had a change of heart.
The 27-year-old has been unable to force his way into Andy Farrell's plans, and while he impressed on the Emerging Ireland tour to South Africa in 2022, that did not mean Frisch was 'captured' by Ireland.
Farrell recently stated that Frisch was on his radar ahead of this summer's tour to South Africa, but after spending time in the France camp during the Six Nations, it now looks likely that the midfielder will get capped by Les Bleus on what is expected to be a development tour to Argentina.
Speaking to French publication L'Equipe, Frisch said: “I have been in contact with Fabien Galthié for a long time and this contact has never been interrupted. From the moment I was called into the France group, it became very clear to me. I want to play for France.
"It's where I grew up, I had a Les Bleus poster on the walls of my room as a child."
Today's Sport News in 90 Seconds - 4th April
The latest development is set to have major ramifications for Munster, who already have a NIQ (non-Irish qualified) centre on their books in Kiwi Alex Nankivell, whose current contract also runs until 2025.
Having already been forced to offload RG Snyman to Leinster this summer after Jean Kleyn switched his allegiances from Ireland to South Africa, Munster could be about to face a similar predicament, should Frisch get capped by France.
Frisch has been linked to several French clubs, and although he has another year left on his Munster deal, it seems likely that he would return home, if Galthie sees him as part of his plans going forward.
