Daily Mirror (Northern Ireland)
JOEY: NO FEAR OF CHANGE
JOEY CARBERY says he is “embracing the change” of his move from Leinster to Munster.
Ireland international Carbery, 22, made the high-profile switch after winning the Champions Cup and
Pro14 double with Leinster.
His decision to go south on the eve of Ireland’s Australia tour caused a sensation. Essentially, the Athy man transferred for regular game-time at out-half ahead of next year’s World Csuapn.s
But Carbery’s ex-leinster colleague Johnny Sexton (inset) claimed this week that Carbery’s move happened in “strange circumstances”.
As it’s turned out, Leinster may have to play centre Noel Reid at No.10 when the season kicks off next week. Sexton is currently unavailable, while Ross Byrne and Ciaran Frawley are injured.
Comparing the set-ups of the rival provinces, Carbery told the Munster website: “It’s two very professional outfits.
“It’s a change for me, but I’m embracing the change and I’m really enjoying it and I feel like I’m settling in.
“It’s all first class so it’s a great environment to be in.”
Munster lost to Leinster in the Pro14 semi-finals last season, and also fell at the penultimate hurdle in Europe.
“A lot of things to build on,” stated Carbery. “So close, so that pain from losing will drive us on to keep improving.
“Hopefully we’ll be lucky enough to win some silverware.”
He added: “I’m loving it down here. “It’s always a bit of fun in the dressing-room. Training’s been pretty tough but the team’s in a good place. We’re building quite nicely now.
“I knew a good few people before I came down. That helped the transition. Then I made a good few new friends, so pretty happy with it.
“Competition will make us grow. It’s a healthy environment.”
Carbery never played in Thomond Park at senior level for Leinster. His only experience of the ground to date was in an under-18s match between the provinces.
“I’m really looking forward to getting into the stadium,” he declared.