SCHMIDT CAUGHT ON HOP BY CARBERY SWITCH

JOE SCHMIDT admits Joey Carbery’s move to Munster has caught him by surprise.

Ireland head coach Schmidt, left, and David Nucifora, the IRFU’S director of performance, had made the initial contact with Carbery and his Leinster colleague Ross Byrne to check if either fancied a move to Ulster to fill the void at out-half at the province.

Carbery expressed some interest but in the meantime Munster made their move, and the skilful 22-year-old is heading to Thomond Park on a two-year contract in a bid to nail down the No10 jersey.

“It’s news to me,” said Schmidt, digesting the news that broke yesterday morning of Carbery’s decision.

“I haven’t had time to digest it personally.

“It’s a decision Joey has taken a bit of time over. It doesn’t seem to have affected his performances any – I think he’s played very well.

“I understand why Leinster would be desperately keen to hang on to him and why Munster feel that it’s a huge bonus for them.

“That’s a decision he’s made. Apart from him catching up with me, which was nicely photographed, I’ve left him to it.”

Carbery leaves Leinster with a Champions Cup winner’s medal and, as of last weekend, a PRO14 winner’s medal also.

He came on in both finals but it was Byrne rather than Carbery who consistently got the nod from

Leinster supremo Leo Cullen to fill in for Johnny Sexton throughout the season.