Peter Burke
Munster find themselves in a bit of a situation with players coming and going. They have been refused permission to sign a loosehead that is ‘Non Irish Qualified’ by the IRFU leaving them a bit short on options on that front.
Currently in the prop positions they have:
Kilcoyne – Loosehead
Loughman – Loosehead
Wycherley – Loosehead
Jager – Loosehead
Archer – Tighthead
John Ryan and Knox also Tightheads
But Archer and Kilcoyne are approaching their sell by dates, and no disrespect to the lads, but a career in sport doesn’t last forever. Its not just Munster who are light on the prop front as our national squad is suffering the same issues too.
Then we have the Frisch problem, does he stay or does he go? He has made no secret of his desire to play test rugby and has declared for France his home country and according to reports Galthie is going to include him in the French squad for their tour of Argentina and if that happens he becomes NIQ and that would really effect his standing with Munster so yes I would agree with Jackman here its unlikely Frisch will be plying his trade with Munster next season but like with all these things we will just have to wait and see.
But all is not lost as reports across the media sphere are that Tom Farrell will be drafted in to replace Frisch and along with Billy Burns should put half a smile back on the faces of Munster fans, but no doubt Frisch is a loss if he goes.
Bernard Jackman speaking on the RTE rugby podcast show:
“I would be shocked if he’s there next season. It may happen, he may have a change of mind and see out his contract and then try to play for France, but another year, a year is a long time in pro rugby, and that opportunity may be gone.
Munster have done nothing wrong here, I want to be clear on that, and they’re doing nothing wrong by trying to basically get as much as they possibly can.
Maybe he’ll stay, but I’ll be shocked if he does.
He’s not going to play for France playing for Munster, so I just think I would be absolutely shocked if this isn’t resolved, but resolved in a manner that Antoine Frisch is playing somewhere else, probably Toulon, who have money in their budget because Waisea Nayacalevu is gone to Sale Sharks, and they’re very much in the market for Antoine.”
Whatever happens it will interesting to see who goes where and what next seasons brings to the Munster faithful.