Joey Carbery: Ireland fly-half to leave Munster at end of season

Joey Carbery won the last of his 37 Ireland caps in November 2022

Fly-half Joey Carbery will leave Munster at the end of the season for "a new playing opportunity outside of Ireland".

Carbery joined Munster from Leinster in 2018 but, after a blistering start for the province, his time at Thomond Park has been hindered by injuries.

The 28-year-old made his Ireland debut in 2016 and has won 37 caps.

"I'm excited for a fresh start but motivated to give my best and end this season on a high," Carbery said.

Born in New Zealand but qualifying for Ireland through his Kildare-born mother, Carbery came through the academy system at Leinster and made his debut in 2016.

His first international appearance would come later that year in Ireland's historic win over the All Blacks at Soldier Field in Chicago, and he won the Six Nations Grand Slam with Ireland in 2018 and was part of Joe Schmidt's World Cup squad the following year.

He made an impressive start to life at Munster after making the switch to Limerick in 2018, scoring six tries in his first 15 appearances, but a number of ankle injuries have limited his game time for the province - although he did help Graham Rowntree's side win the United Rugby Championship title in May.

"I want to say a massive thank you to Munster Rugby and the Munster fans for the last six seasons," Carbery added.

"I've loved every minute, through the good and bad days. Thomond Park and Musgrave Park will always be special places for me."

Munster head coach Rowntree added that Carbery has "contributed a huge amount" to the province.

"A fantastic professional, he has been a pleasure to coach and is a hugely popular member of the squad," he added.

"We will wish him and his family all the best when the time comes but there is still plenty of rugby to be played this season."