Ireland international nears Munster exit with ‘multiple’ Top 14 clubs interested

Several Top 14 clubs are reportedly interested in luring Ireland fly-half Joey Carbery away from Munster next season.

The 28-year-old is off contract at the end of the season and a move to France believed to be on the cards.

Bordeaux lead the race

The highly-rated playmaker has struggled with injuries throughout his career, with his latest run seeing him lose the starting fly-half role to Jack Crowley at Munster.

As he enters the final months of his deal with the Irish province, a report from French publication Sud Ouest states that Bordeaux Begles are keen to add him to their payroll.

The club are in the market for a back-up to French international Matthieu Jalibert, who also has a history of lengthy injury lay-offs, but was also the starting fly-half for France during the Rugby World Cup in Romain Ntamack’s absence.

Jalibert has also been a regular squad member for Fabien Galthie, meaning that he often misses Top 14 matches due to his commitments to Les Bleus.

While Bordeaux currently has Australian Zack Holmes (33) and 21-year-old Mateo Garcia as Jalibert’s back-ups, the former’s contract is also expiring at the end of the season and he may not be offered an extension.

Carbery has long been viewed as Jonathan Sexton’s successor in the Ireland set up, but his unfortunate run of injuries has seen him drop down the pecking order in recent years. He has represented Ireland on 38 occasions, the last of which came in November last year, as he missed out on selection for the 2023 World Cup after appearing in Japan four years earlier.

Reports in Ireland state that Munster are eager to retain Carbery’s services despite Crowley’s rise, as the province also saw Ben Healy depart to Edinburgh next season. Carbery is set to provide Crowley with stiff competition for the starting fly-half role when he recovers from his latest wrist injury.

Academy player Tony Butler has been tipped for a bright future but is the only other recognised fly-half in the Munster squad, and if Carbery should depart, there would not be much experience in the position. Centre Rory Scannell is also capable of providing cover in the role.

It is understood that no deals have been formalised, and while none have been named, it is reported that several Top 14 clubs are interested in his services.

Bordeaux has been making a splash in the market this season, as it is reported that the club have secured the services of Scotland international Jonny Gray and Wallaby back-rower Lachlan Swinton.

Carbery’s journey to date

Born in Auckland, Carbery’s family moved to Athy when he was 11 years old.

Having shone promise from a young age, Carbery moved through the Leinster age-grade system rapidly before going on to make 37 appearances for the province, scoring 101 points.

In 2018, he made the move to Munster on a two-year deal and enjoyed a stellar first season, culminating in being named the Player of the Year.

After representing Ireland at the World Cup in Japan, wrist and ankle injuries limited his involvement for Munster, and he finally returned to action in March 2021.

An elbow injury further limited his progression at the side during the 2021/22 seasons, but he still signed a contract extension through to June 2024. He was selected for Ireland’s historic tour to New Zealand as Andy Farrell’s charges claimed their first-ever series victory over the All Blacks in 2022.

He was Munster’s top-points scorer in the URC last season as the side went on to lift the title, with Carbery earning his 50th cap for the side.

READ MORE: Loose Pass: Picking and choosing, the Farrell dynasty and the interference of TMOs