Irish coach Andy Farrell has closed the door on Simon Zebo adding to his 33 caps while he continues to play his club rugby in France.
Farrell poured cold water on the prospect of a return for 30-year-old Zebo, who is out of contract with European runners-up Racing 92 at the end of the season.
He said: “First things first, I suppose you know the answer to this, I’ve always got to think of what’s the right thing to do for Irish rugby in the here and now and the long term.
“That’s the reason that we’ve always gone down the route of not looking outside of Ireland so we’re protecting Irish rugby.”
The return of Keith Earls from injury will add to his back three options, while up front Iain Henderson will be back from suspension to add impact to the pack.
