MUNSTER BOSS RASSIE Erasmus says Simon Zebo is not bitter about being left out of the Irish squad after announcing earlier this week that he is moving abroad.

Erasmus said that Zebo knew what would happen when he decided to end his time with Munster at the end of this season.

“Zeebs is level-headed and calm, he doesn’t let things like that get to him. He loves Munster and is passionate about the team.

“He is also sad for leaving. We are happy for him, we are going to miss him. It is sad for the club but we are so happy for him, he is a guy that deserves that.

“It is just a game, a professional game, it is nobody’s fault, we just can’t afford that and he can’t say no to an offer like that. Nobody is upset with him and you see tonight he is fully committed to the cause,” he said.

Erasmus said that Zebo knew it was unlikely that Schmidt would include him in the Irish squad once he made his mind up to go.

I think he expected that. I think the policy is quite clear that guys from outside are not going to make the team and I think if you look at it logically and look at Joe Schmidt’s plans, he is building towards a World Cup and if he selects guys now who are not going to play in the World Cup, it is beside the point.

“I don’t think there are any hard feelings, I think Zeebs is pretty level-headed about it.

“Simon accepts it. He knows he is moving on at the end of the season, he is not at all bitter or want to prove people wrong. He just wants Munster to win,” added Erasmus, speaking following his side’s 20-16 loss to Connacht at the Sportsground.

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