WATCH: van Graan says grounded Carberry has “settled in quickly” at Munster.
The rugby transfer of the Summer was undoubtedly Joey Carberry’s switch from European Champions Leinster to Munster on a two-year deal. The number ten position is seen as one area that Munster need to improve in if they are to bring silverware back to the province after a couple of positive seasons fell just short of acquiring a trophy.
Carberry joins Munster as an established member of Joe Schmidt’s Irish squad although he has had to play second fiddle to Johnny Sexton at both domestic and international levels over the past number of seasons. The Munster faithful are hopeful that Carberry can adapt to the province quickly with the prospect of his half-back partnership with Conor Murray very appealing. The New Zealand born, Carberry has settled well into life as a Munster player according to Head Coach Johann van Graan.
“Quality individual. I value the person before the player. He’s settled in quickly. He has a very good head on him. He can kick with both feet, I was very impressed with that and his general understanding of the game.”
Carberry’s decision to join Munster came as somewhat as a shock with the out-half widely expected to continue to push Johnny Sexton for a full-time starting berth. However, as things have panned out, Carberry is a welcome addition to van Graan’s ever-improving squad after the off-season signing of Tadgh Beirne. van Graan has outlined that he didn’t have to convince Carberry to join the Province but that it was his decision.
“I left it to the individual. Leinster is a quality team. They won both competitions last year but the individual made the decision to come to Munster. I’m very glad about the decision but it was totally his decision.”
Carberry is not currently with the Munster squad as he is in Carton house with the Irish camp. As a result of the Summer series in Australia, Carberry is not expected to feature for Munster in the first couple of rounds in the Pro 14, yet judging from van Graan’s words, the 22-year-old should have no problem integrating into the team once he has a full pre-season under his belt.
Check out the full interview with Johann van Graan below on our YouTube channel.
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