THE Ireland coaching staff is not losing any sleep by Antonie Frisch’s France call-up.
The 28-year-old centre has been called up by Fabien Galthié for their final Six Nations clash against England.
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Born and raised in France, his grandmother was from Dublin and, shortly after moving to Munster from Bristol Bears in 2022, he played for Emerging Ireland on their South African tour.
But with a Championship up for grabs, and Ireland having good options in midfield, Simon Easterby admitted his selection was not a major focus this week.
The defence coach said: “I don’t know whether they 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’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.”
Asked if he would still be in Andy Farrell’s thoughts if he did not feature in Lyon on Saturday, Easterby added: “It depends really.
“I certainly haven’t been involved in any conversations with Antoine, so I think that’s the important thing first – there is a conversation with Munster, with Faz around what his plans are.
“And then we will obviously find out a little bit more. It’s quite recent and we are probably waiting to see what happens this week, and then we can make a call on it.”
Munster team-mate Tadhg Beirne added: “Yeah, look, credit to him. It’s well deserved, he has been playing really well for Munster since he has arrived.
“Fair play to him, all I can say is congratulations to him, it’s massive opportunity for him, and I’m sure he will do his best to take it.”
Ireland have not ruled out either Ciaran Frawley or Calvin Nash of their final Six Nations game against Scotland.
Both players were withdrawn during the defeat to England after HIAs and are still undergoing the return-to-play protocols.
