Johnny Sexton has voiced some concerns regarding Simon Zebo’s decision to leave Munster at the end of the season…
On Monday afternoon, Irish rugby fans were shocked by the news that Simon Zebo had taken the decision to leave Munster at the end of the current season.
In recent years, Zebo has established himself as the all-time record try-scorer for Munster while also becoming an integral member of the Irish squad, playing a crucial role in Ireland’s historic win over the All Blacks in Chicago last year.
However, with multiple reports now suggesting that Zebo has already signed a pre-contractual agreement with Racing 92, the assumption is that the Irish winger/full back may well be signing a death warrant on his own international career.
Speaking about Zebo’s decision, Johnny Sexton stated that he was hugely surprised by the decision while also commenting that the Munster great may well be ‘giving up his international career’ by making the move abroad.
“Simon is a big part of Munster,” said the Irish outhalf speaking to RTÉ Sport. “He’s a big character in the dressing room . I was surprised to hear that he left, but I don’t know the circumstances.”
“I don’t know if contracts were brought into it, or if he just wanted to try something different for a few years.
“It’s hard to make a judgement. There are different circumstances for every person.”
The IRFU generally have a policy that Irish players playing abroad will not be selected for the international team although Sexton was a rare exception to the rule during his own time with Racing.
However, although Zebo is expected to be selected for the approaching November internationals, the general consensus is that he will not be seen in an Irish jersey once he completes his move to Paris.
“I don’t know if it’s set in stone,” said Sexton. “But it seems like they are not going to pick guys that are playing abroad. I’m sure Simon had a very difficult decision to make, giving up his international career to move abroad.”
It wasn’t all negative from the Leinster man however as he also stated that he expects Zebo to love his time in France and to excel on the field as long as he is not distracted by the lavish lifestyle.
“He’ll be living in a great city if it is Paris. I’m sure he’ll love it.
“He’ll go well, but he will just have to be careful with all the bread, desserts and red wine flying around.
“Once he stays away from that, he’ll be alright.”
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Hat Tip: Declan Whooley of RTÉ Sport
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