Zebo stresses ‘flash’ image not an issue with Schmidt

Simon Zebo yesterday dismissed out of hand a perception he had lost out on RBS Six Nations selection because Ireland boss Joe Schmidt deemed him too flamboyant.

In the build-up to Saturday’s eagerly awaited RaboDirect Pro12 derby against Leinster at Aviva Stadium, Zebo insisted he ran out of time to impress the new coach after recovering from a long-term injury.

Yet Zebo said he would make every effort in his bid to make the Ireland touring party for the summer trip to Argentina, accepting that, in the meantime, he had something to prove to the new Irish coach.