Munster outhalf Joey Carbery has admitted that his move to France is something that he needs in his career after it stalled.
Carbery, a rival to former Ireland and Leinster captain Johnny Sexton at one point, finds himself out of Ireland squad contention. He is also a backup to the new Irish outhalf, Jack Crowley, in Munster and Ireland.
Because of his playing struggles for club and country, the outhalf has agreed to join Bordeaux-Bègles in France for the next two seasons.
When asked about his impending move to France, the 28-year-old, who has 37 Irish caps, admitted that a move to another country and a chance to test himself in a new environment were something that he needed.
“There was a time last year when I was really, really not enjoying rugby, and so I think this is exactly what I need. It’s a tough place to leave, but then it’s also such an exciting opportunity,” said Carbery.
“I didn’t necessarily want to leave the Irish system. But I suppose, off the back of the last two Six Nations and the World Cup not being involved, it was not nice to be sitting on the sides. I think the opportunity came around, and it was a fresh start.
“I think it’s a good move for me, just how everything has gone. I think a fresh start will do me the world of good. I’m still only 28, so who knows what happens in the future?"
Joey Carbery of Ireland warms up before the Guinness Six Nations Rugby Championship match between Ireland and Wales at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin. (Photo By Harry Murphy/Sportsfile via Getty Images)Carbery also admits that, after consultation with friends and family, the decision to move abroad is now something that he is taking up. The Munster player doesn't want to have any regrets and is ready to take the challenge with both hands
“Talking to friends, family, and stuff like that, and then just in 10 or 15 years’ time, I didn’t want to be looking back and regretting something like that. It was an extremely tough decision, but I suppose it was a great opportunity that I couldn’t really pass by.
"The way things have gone over the last few years for me, a few people I’ve chatted to said a fresh start can do the world of good for some people. I’ve taken it for that reason."
A lot of Irish players will find themselves at some point in their career, most notably in France, where the most cash is. Players like Johnny Sexton, Ronan O'Gara, and Simon Zebo are examples of moves to France.
Carbery adds that moving abroad was always something that he considered during his career. He is now focused on finishing strongly with Munster, though before that,.
"I always had the intention to go abroad and try something different at some stage of my career; I didn’t think it would necessarily happen, but I’m really excited for what’s to come, and then again, I'm looking forward to finishing the season strongly here.
“I feel just getting some gametime and starting games and finishing games over the last month or two has gone really well for me, so hopefully continue that through, keep getting some gametime, and I suppose we’re probably in a better spot than we were this time last year.
“We’ll see where it goes, and we’ll just keep building towards the end,” he added.
