Down south.

Munster have reportedly officially entered the race to sign Leinster outhalf Joey Carbery, with the 22-year-old said to be reluctant to move up north with Ulster.

Multiple reports suggest Munster are definitely interested, but Leinster have reiterated their desire to keep Carbery on their books for next season, along with Ross Byrne and Johnny Sexton.

Leinster coach John Fogarty yesterday admitted the province are still not sure what will happen with Carbery, but hope he stays.

“I’m not sure what the latest is,” Fogarty said in UCD yesterday.

“He’s preparing for a final this week, he was preparing for a semi-final last week, so I don’t know where it’s at.

“I don’t know, I’m not going to speak on behalf of Joey. I’m not sure when a decision is going to be made and when it’s going to be made.”

“I hope he stays, I think this is where he has developed so well. He’s been excellent since he was 15 and all the way to here.”

“He’s developed really, really well and I think he can continue to develop here at Leinster. That’s what we’re hoping for. We want him to stay.”

Munster’s problems at ten are no secret. Tyler Bleyendaal has been suffering with a longstanding neck injury for a number of years now, while Ian Keatley and JJ Hanrahan have failed to step up to the mark.

Ulster reportedly want to sign Springbok ten Elton Jantijies, but the IRFU are believed to be in favour of blocking the deal, and only allowing the northern province to sign an Irish-qualified outhalf.

[The 42]