Munster expect Antoine Frisch to stay despite French interest

Munster assistant Mike Prendergast has dismissed speculation that Antoine Frisch will be leaving the province this summer.

The centre recently expressed his intention to play Test rugby for his native France and is expected to be included in their squad for the summer Test series in Argentina, with head coach Fabien Galthie likely to rest some of his frontline squad members this July.

Should that happen, Frisch would lose his status as an Irish-qualified player, and with another NIQ centre already on Munster's books in Alex Nankivell, it seems unlikely the province would be allowed keep two non-Irish qualified midfielders.

The 27-year-old still has a year remaining on his current deal with Munster, having signed a three-year deal when he joined from Bristol Bears in 2022, but has been linked with an early exit from his contract this summer, with Toulon and La Rochelle named as potential suitors.

However, attack coach Prendergast says he expects Frisch to be part of the Munster squad next season.

"Being perfectly honest, I still read a bit of the French media myself, I coached over there for so long," Prendergast said.

"I've seen it [the speculation] in the media over there, but from our perspective, as far as we know, Antoine will be here next year as well.

"The pro he is, he's managed to put all that stuff aside, and I'm sure he's hearing and seeing whatever, but he's here and he's fully on board with us at the moment."

Prendergast (below) also expressed his delight that Peter O'Mahony had agreed a contract extension to remain at the province.

The Ireland captain signed a 12-month deal with Munster last week, having delayed his retirement by at least one more year.

"It's great, great for everyone involved with Irish and Munster