Munster’s offensive coach, Mike Prendergast, remains sure that Antoine Frisch, the talented centre, will stay with the club despite the player’s interest in playing for his home country, France, and some forthcoming offers from several Top 14 teams.
Frisch, aged 27, still has a year on his contract with Munster, having joined from Bristol Bears. To date, his record includes seven tries in 35 fixtures, with 34 initial line-ups in the position of outside centre and one substitution. Despite qualifying to play for Ireland, Frisch has largely been left out of Andy Farrell’s selections since moving to Limerick. However, he was briefly included in the enlarged French Six Nations squad and, although he wasn’t picked, it is anticipated that he may be asked to join the tour in Argentina as Fabien Galthié gives his key players a break.
Prendergast, with over a decade of experience both coaching and playing in France, acknowledged the situation but maintains his belief that Frisch will be with Munster in the upcoming season. “I still keep up with the French media, having spent a lot of time coaching there. I’m aware of the reports, but as far as our understanding goes, Antoine will still be with us next year,” he commented.
Rumours are circulating that both Montpellier and Toulon are interested in bringing Frisch back to France, and there is speculation that Munster might try to sign Connacht’s Tom Farrell, having already brought winger Diarmuid Kilgallen over from the Sportsground.
Currently in South Africa preparing for the URC match against the Bulls on Saturday, Prendergast is confident that Frisch will manage the situation and maintain his performance. “Despite everything he must be hearing and seeing, he’s a professional. At present, he is entirely committed to us,” he added.
Simultaneously, Prendergast expressed his relief that Peter O’Mahony will remain with Munster for at least another season, as his contract has now been finalised for the following year.
Prendergast is thrilled that Pete is going to stay with us for the time being. It’s excellent news for all parties involved in Irish and Munster rugby. It’s particularly beneficial for Pete, who plays such a significant role in both scenes. Now that he’s settled, he can focus on his role, even though that has never been an issue for him. Prendergast adds, speaking from his point of view as a Munster coach, that having someone with Pete’s leadership skills with us for at least one more season is a real boon.