More time at ten.

Joey Carbery has opened up on his decision to leave Leinster and join provincial rivals Munster on what is believed to be a two-year contract.

The saga over his future finally ended today, with Munster and the IRFY confirming he will be swapping blue for red next season in one of the biggest inter-provincial moves we’ve ever seen.

Carbery says it’s been “a tough couple of weeks”, but ultimately his decision to leave was “purely based on rugby”. Speaking to RTE Sport, Carbery is looking forward to a lot more time at ten.

“It’s been a tough couple of weeks. There’s been a lot of things going, with the magnitude of the games and this decision in my head as well,” he said. 

“I’ve come to the decision purely based on rugby. I want to go down there and get the opportunity to be playing at 10 a lot more.  

“I know that if I can get into the rhythm of games, I know how good I can be so I’m really excited for the opportunity. I’m going down to a great team with a great set of coaches.   

“It’s been tough. Leaving my friends and family and the things I’m comfortable in. But I’ve made this decision purely based on rugby and I’m a professional rugby player. So I’ve got to do what’s best for my rugby and I know things can be great down there. I’m really excited about the group I’m going into.  

“It’s good to have people around me that I could talk to and give me help on things. Like you said, it’s been tough with the games and there’s been a few sleepless nights thinking about everything. But I’m glad it’s come to an end and I’m really happy with my decision. It feels good.”

Carbery says Leinster have done so much for him as a player, but he believes in joining Munster – he’s made the right decision.

“Leinster have done so much for me and helped me develop. I couldn’t have enough praise for them and that’s what makes it even tougher to leave because they’re my best friends and they’re such a great outfit as well. 

“They’ve such a strong team down there and I know how close they were this year, two semi-finals. Leinster were the exact same last year. It just shows that with a good attitude and a good drive, which I know is down there, that anything can happen so it’s going to be an exciting few years. 

“I’m getting onto the plane (to Australia) with a clear head that I can look forward to the next three weeks and concentrate fully on that. 

“So, it is a relief. It feels like I’ve made the right decision.”