Simon Easterby: Ireland to 'wait and see' on Antoine Frisch call-up for France

Ireland assistant Simon Easterby says Antoine Frisch could well come into consideration for a future Ireland call-up, providing the Munster man doesn't make a debut for France this weekend.

The centre, who was born in France but is qualified to play for Ireland through his grandmother, was drafted into the French squad by head coach Fabien Galthie for this weekend's Guinness Six Nations finale against England on Saturday.

The 27-year-old has impressed since joining Munster from Bristol in the summer of 2022, and has previously been on the radar of the Irish coaches, who brought him on the Emerging Ireland tour to South Africa, which was coached by Easterby.

The Emerging Ireland appearances don't tie him to Test rugby here, while it also hasn't led to a call-up to the senior side, with head coach Andy Farrell having a deep roster in that area, with Garry Ringrose, Bundee Aki, Robbie Henshaw and Stuart McCloskey currently the preferred options.

"I don't know whether they [France] will cap him or they’ve just got him in for training. I worked with Frischy with Emerging Ireland, and he’s a great guy, good player," he said.

"He’s unfortunately in a position of real strength for us and he might get into a few other teams given the opportunity.

"I’m obviously not fully aware of the situation around what’s happening this week around his selection, but he’s a good guy, good player and if he does get capped, then obviously that will change a few things, but it’s not one for me to worry about too much right now."

Easterby says that if Frisch doesn't make his debut in Lyon this Saturday, they will keep their options open.

"I certainly haven't been involved in any conversations with Antoine, so I think that’s the important thing first –