“I’m going to give everything I have”

Simon Zebo has admitted he was surprised by Joe Schmidt’s decision to drop of from his Ireland squad as soon as it was announced he would be playing his rugby in France next season.

Zebo announced we would be leaving Munster back in October, but despite the Corkman playing the rest of the season out in Ireland with Munster, Schmidt dropped him from his subsequent November Internationals and Six Nations squads.

Speaking to Donal Lenihan on Against The Head, Zebo says he didn’t expect it to be so blunt, but isn’t bitter.

“I didn’t expect it to be so quick, so blunt.” Zebo said

“I wouldn’t be bitter about it though. The squad have done really well and I wish everyone there all the best. But I would have obviously loved to have been involved in the Six Nations.”

Zebo plans on coming back to Ireland at some stage with Munster, but still reckons there’s a chance Schmidt might call him up for the Rugby World Cup next year, even though he’ll be in France.

“I see myself coming back definitely. But I wouldn’t be coming back to play for Leinster I can tell you that anyway!” Zebo laughed

“I’m going to give everything I have [in France].”

“I’m going to make sure I play really well, do my best to help Racing, but also get picked for that World Cup in 2019. If not, then, I’ll wait for 2023.”