Leinster looking to future after Carbery’s exit, says Lancaster

STUART Lancaster has admitted that he spoke with Joey Carbery before he made the decision to leave Leinster for Munster.

And the Leinster coach insists that, while the province wish him well, they have quickly moved on from the 22-year-old out-half and have refocused their attention on the likes of Ciaran Frawley (20), as well as the Byrne brothers Ross (23) and Harry (20).

Leinster’s pivot options could yet be further disrupted before the start of the season next week after Frawley suffered an arm injury in the pre-season defeat to Newcastle last Friday.

But Lancaster is confident that the reigning European Champions Cup and Guinness PRO14 champions have adequate strength in depth to cope with Carbery’s departure.

“I spoke to him, as everyone else did, but ultimately it’s down to the player to make a decision,” Lancaster said.

“I’ve not spoken with Joey since. It’s his call. I’ve said all along, it will be the player’s decision and Joey made it.

“In my mind, it doesn’t immediately go back to ‘What if this?’, ‘What if that?’ My mind goes, ‘Right, what next?’

“What’s next is Ciaran Frawley and Harry Byrne coming through. You move on, that’s what you do as a coach. Players leave and (we wish them) good luck.

“But coaches and players, everyone moves on to the next job, the next season, the next training session and that’s been my mentality.

“Ultimately it was his decision. He’ll want to back himself to play at Munster. It’s competitive down there in both positions, 10 and 15, so it’s not my concern.”