France call-up uncapped Irish-qualified star ahead of England Six Nations finale
Antoine Frisch of Munster celebrates with Shane Daly of Munster after the test match between Munster Rugby and Crusaders at Pairc Ui Chaoimh in Cork, Ireland.
France head coach Fabien Galthie has named his squad to begin preparations for the final round of the 2024 Six Nations as Les Blues clash with England.
Included in the squad is Munster centre Antoine Frisch, who could make his Test debut for Les Bleus despite also qualifying to represent Ireland.
Antoine Frisch called up to France’s squad
The 27-year-old was born in Fontainebleau, France, but qualifies for Ireland via his grandmother, who was born in Dublin. While he has yet to feature in a senior Ireland camp, he did represent Emerging Ireland during their tour to South Africa, where he featured in three games.
However, he did not feature on the tour to New Zealand later that year and went on to play for the French Barbarians in 2023.
Despite being a key cog in the Munster backline, Frisch has been unable to force his way into the Ireland squad, with Andy Farrell having an embarrassment of riches in the centre position, preferring the likes of Bundee Aki, Robbie Henshaw, Garry Ringrose and Stuart McCloskey.
However, he has been called into the France squad following Jonathan Danty’s suspension. Galthie admits that he has been keeping tabs on the midfielder, who joined Munster from Bristol Bears.
“We have followed him for a long time and the opportunity is there for him to take,” Galthie said.
“Pierre-Louis Barassi has a sprain, Jonathan Danty is unavailable due to the red card… he (Frisch) has put together a series of big performances for Munster where he is the undisputed first choice.”
Further changes
Meanwhile, Nicolas Depoortère made his Test debut in the centres in the victory over Wales, and Frisch will be contending with him, Gael Fickou, Yoram Moefana and Emilien Gailleton for a spot in the team to face England.
Galthie has also recalled lock Cameron Woki, who was dropped from the squad completely despite starting two Six Nations matches before the game against Wales. Posolo Tuilagi also returns after illness ruled him out of the clash in Cardiff, with Gailleton, prop Dany Priso and fly-half Antoine Hastoy completing the training squad.
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Frisch’s Munster contract
If Frisch is to make his debut for France, it could lead to his departure from Munster as he will become a NIQ (non-Irish qualified) player for the province.
His current contract expires at the end of the 2024/25 season and with New Zealand centre Alex Nankivell on their books, they will struggle to keep two NIQ centres in the squad, much like the case with RG Snyman leaving Munster after Jean Kleyn played for the Springboks.
Frisch could then return to France having already played for Stade Francais, Massy, Tarbes and Rouen before he joined Bristol.
France squad to face England
Forwards: Cyril Baille, Dany Priso, Sébastien Taofifenua, Dorian Aldegheri, Uini Atonio, Georges-Henri Colombe, Maxime Lamothe, Julien Marchand, Peato Mauvaka, Thibaud Flament, Emmanuel Meafou, Romain Taofifenua, Posolo Tuilagi, Cameron Woki, Esteban Abadie, Grégory Alldritt, Paul Boudehent, François Cros, Charles Ollivon, Alexandre Roumat
Backs: Nolann Le Garrec, Maxime Lucu, Antoine Gibert, Antoine Hastoy, Antoine Frisch, Nicolas Depoortere, Gaël Fickou, Émilien Gailleton, Yoram Moefana, Louis Bielle-Biarrey, Matthis Lebel, Damian Penaud, Léo Barré, Thomas Ramos.
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