If the 27-year-old makes his Test debut, he will become a Non Irish Qualified (NIQ) player.
France have rewarded one of the United Rugby Championship’s most consistent performers with an international call-up, and given Munster a tough dilemma. Antoine Frisch has been called into the French squad for their Six Nations finale against England.
France defeated Wales in Cardiff, on Sunday, and their head coach, Fabien Galthie later confirmed the Frisch call-up. He commented:
“We have followed Antoine for a long time and the opportunity is there for him to take. Pierre-Louis Barassi has a sprain, Jonathan Danty is unavailable due to the red card. He has put together a series of big performances for Munster where he is the undisputed first choice.”
Frisch is Irish qualified and toured with Emerging Ireland to South Africa in 2022. He has previously spoken of his desire to play Test rugby for Ireland, but now has a big decision to make. Frisch is Irish qualified through his maternal grandmother, who is from Dublin. Ireland are well stocked at centre, with Bundee Aki, Garry Ringrose, Robbie Henshaw and Stuart McCloskey all in this year’s Six Nations squad.
With Pierre-Louis Barassi injured and Jonathan Danty suspended, the Munster centre could make his international debut for Les Bleus, against England, in Lyon next Saturday.
Should Antoine Frisch, who has started 31 of his 32 Munster appearances since joining from Bristol Bears in 2022, make his Test bow for France, he would become an NIQ player. That would make it tougher for Munster to hang onto him as he may be looked upon as blocking the place of Irish players, and prospects.
Warren Gatland storms out of post-match interview
Going into that final day in the Six Nations, Wales face a wooden spoon clash with Italy.
Warren Gatland’s side were leading France 24-20, heading into the final quarter, but shipped 25 straight points to lose 45-24. Following the game, Gatland showed his frustration as he walked away from a live BBC interview when he was made wait too long [for his liking].
France scored five tries, through Gael Fickou, Nolann Le Garrec, Georges-Henri Colombe, Romain Taofifenua and Maxime Lucu. Thomas Ramos added 20 points from the kicking tee.
France are now on 11 points and will be hoping to finish on a high against England.
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