Joe Schmidt: Simon Zebo risks shorter playing career with French move

“There is no policy. There is only an intention from the IRFU to best protect the provinces and the local game.”

Joe Schmidt has warned Simon Zebo he may be risking a shorter playing career by turning his back on Ireland and has cited Johnny Sexton's time in France as evidence, writes Simon Lewis.

The Ireland head coach, who has omitted the Munster star from his squad for this month's Guinness Series of internationals, spoke at length with Zebo concerning his decision to quit his province at the end of this season and join Racing 92 in Paris, the club Sexton played for from 2013 to 2015.