‘It’s ongoing’ – Graham Rowntree admits Antoine Frisch’s future is up in the air as centre declares for France

The Irish-qualified midfielder's decision to go public about his desire to play for the country of his birth last weekend is likely to see him exit the province this summer, despite him having a year left on his current deal.

Frisch, who also qualifies to play for England, moved to Munster in 2022 and played for Emerging Ireland that year. He qualifies for Ireland through his grandparents and had spoken about his long-standing ambition to win a senior cap for Ireland.

However, last week he gave an interview to French newspaper l'Equipe outlining his regular contact with France coach Fabien Galthié during his time at Munster.

Galthié called Frisch up to his squad for France's final Six Nations game against England and, while he didn't play, it's expected he'll be involved for his country on their summer tour of Argentina.

That puts Munster in a bind, given they already have New Zealander Alex Nankivell on their books and, under the IRFU's policies, they're unlikely to be allowed to keep them both.

With a number of Top 14 clubs, including La Rochelle, circling, they'll likely look to cash in and accept a fee for his services.

“We’ll see how that plays out," Rowntree said after this afternoon's defeat to Northampton.

"I’m not going to lie to you, it’s ongoing, we’ll see how that plays out but his game’s not changed, his focus has not moved away from the job in had. We’ll just see how that plays out.”

Losing Frisch would be a real blow to Munster, who are already set to lose RG Snyman to Leinster because of Jean Kleyn's decision to play for his native South Africa.

Last season, out-half Ben Healy opted to move to Edinburgh and declare for Scotland rather than remain at his home province.