Joey Carbery won the last of his 37 Ireland caps in November 2022
Fly-half Joey Carbery will leave Munster at the end of the season to “pursue new playing opportunities outside of Ireland”.
Carbery joined Munster from Leinster in 2018, but after a strong start in the province his time at Thomond Park was hampered by injury.
The 28-year-old made his debut for Ireland in 2016 and has won 37 caps.
“I’m excited for a fresh start, but I’m also motivated to do my best and finish this season on a high note,” Carberry said.
Carbery was born in New Zealand but qualified for the Ireland squad through his Kildare-born mother and worked his way through Leinster’s academy system before making his debut in 2016.
His first international appearance came in Ireland’s historic victory over the All Blacks at Chicago’s Soldier Field later that year, and he won the Six Nations Grand Slam with Ireland in 2018. The following year, he was part of Joe Schmidt’s World Cup squad.
After moving to Limerick in 2018, he got off to a great start in Munster, winning six tires in his first 15 games, but an ankle injury limited his minutes in the province, led by Graham Rowntree. Although he contributed to the team’s victory, he won the United Rugby Championship title in May.
“I would like to say a huge thank you to Munster Rugby and the Munster fans for the past six seasons,” Carbery added.
“I have loved every moment, the good and the bad. Thomond Park and Musgrave Park will always have a special place in my heart.”
Munster head coach Rountree added that Carbery has made a “huge contribution” to the state.
“A great professional, he is a pleasure to coach and is a very popular member of the team.”
“We wish him and his family all the best when the time comes, but there is still plenty of rugby to be played this season.”