There’s hope yet.

The ink had barely dried on Simon Zebo’s statement that revealed he was leaving Munster at the end of the season when Ireland boss Joe Schmidt left him out of his squad for the recent Autumn International Series.

The winger’s decision to leave his native province prompted Schmidt to act quickly, and instead give game time to the likes of Jacob Stockdale, Andrew Conway, Adam Byrne and Darren Sweetnam.

While there is no official policy in place, Schmidt has refrained from picking Irish players who ply their trade abroad, bar one exception in Johnny Sexton. While it’s understandable why Ireland have taken that stance, many feel it was unfair to drop Zebo before he had even left for France.

But it appears, Zebo may be called back up for the 2018 Six Nations, with Joe Schmidt telling him the door isn’t closed just yet. Zebo did however, hint that it would be closed once he left for the Top 14, stating “it will be tough missing out in the future.”

“You know there’s a risk I suppose. It’s up to the coaches then if they want to select a player then they can select a player. If they don’t and don’t feel the need then that’s their call. It’s nothing really to do with me, if I’m playing good rugby and playing with Munster then I see myself in contention.” Zebo said

“Joe said the door wasn’t closed so if he’s telling the truth and I’m playing well in the Six Nations then I might have a chance to get in there. It will be tough missing out in the future.”

Do you think Zebo should be called up for the Six Nations if he’s in form?