Van Graan may seek to bring in fresh face after
MUNSTER head coach Johann van Graan has admitted that the province may look at signing an out-half to offset the loss of Joey Carbery, who has been ruled out for the foreseeable future.
Carbery suffered a setback in his rehabbing of an ankle injury, which dates back to last August in a World Cup warm-up game.
Munster have said that the 24-year-old will be unavailable for “an indefinite period of time”, which has come as a major blow.
A club statement read: “It has been confirmed that Joey Carbery will not be available for an indefinite period of time.
“Following his latest meeting with the specialist, the 24-yearold has been advised to take further steps in rehabilitating his ankle and to delay his return to rugby.”
Before lockdown, Carbery was also suffering with a wrist ligament injury picked up during his province’s PRO14 defeat by Ulster in January.
The New Zealand-born player, who has 22 international caps, has not played since, including missing Ireland’s opening three Guinness Six Nations matches under new head coach Andy Farrell.
With Tyler Bleyendaal retiring through injury, Munster now have just one senior outhalf in JJ Hanrahan fit and available ahead of Saturday’s return against Leinster.
Van Graan can also call upon youngsters Ben Healy, Jake Flannery and Jack Crowley but given the trio’s lack of experience, it is an unwelcome headache for the Munster boss, who could look at bringing a No.10 to the club.
“It’s about looking at all possible options,” Van Graan said.
“We’ve got JJ who has been our first choice for the back end of last season. Then we’ve got Tyler who has retired. Then you’ve got three really good youngsters, 20 and 21-year-olds in Ben, Jake and Jack.
“All options will remain on the table. As always, we’ll look to fill within first and then we’ll be in constant communication with David (Nucifora) as to the future, but in terms of what’s coming short-term, we’re really excited to look at what we have.
“As disappointing as the latest news is, we have Joey at the centre of it all and doing everything right in making sure that when he returns to the pitch he stays on the pitch.