Munster's Antoine Frisch declares for France

Munster centre Antoine Frisch has declared for France in a move that will have knock on effects for the province.

France-born Frisch is Ireland-qualified via a grandparent and went on the Emerging Ireland tour to South Africa in 2022 but did not make it up to Andy Farrell's senior squad.

However, he was called up to Fabien Galthie’s France panel ahead of the final game of the Six Nations before being released ahead of the match against England.

The 27-year-old, who has a contract with the province until 2025, told L’Equipe: "I have been in contact with Fabien Galthie 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."

The comments hand Munster a headache as, although he would remain Ireland-qualified until getting a cap, he de facto becomes one of their non-IQ players.

Frisch has played 35 times for Graham Rowntree’s side since joining from Bristol in 2022.

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