WE COULD GET ANT ON DECK..
ANTOINE FRISCH is “100 per cent” a potential Ireland pick, says Andy Farrell – but competition at centre is “fierce”.
Frisch, who qualifies for Ireland, is French-born and was drafted into France’s squad last weekend only to be released back to Munster.
Farrell said: “I spoke to Antoine previously in regards to what we think of him and I know he was very ambitious to play international rugby for Ireland as well.
“The call came (from France) and he jumped at it immediately because he wanted to show his ambition to play international rugby and see how far he could push himself in that regard.
“He’s 100 per cent still at the front of our minds. The competition for us in that position has been fierce for a number of years now.
“Stu Mccloskey is unbelievably unlucky to miss out this week because he’s been in flying form, so you can see the type of competition that’s there.
“But taking him (Frisch) on the Emerging Ireland tour, he’s someone that was straight to the top of the list as far as pushing for places and we think he’s a great player.”
If Frisch is capped by France it would make him non-irish qualified – and the 27-year-old would more than likely have to leave Munster when his contract expires at the end of the 2025 season.
Asked if he would cap a player to keep him in the country at club level, Farrell replied: “It’s my duty to do the team justice by making sure the right people, if available, are in the squad.
“Now, for the rest of the season he’s got an opportunity to show his worth, his improvement and therefore be in the running like everyone else.”