Joey Carbery “loving every minute” at Munster and looking forward to Six Nations

For the first time in his career, Joey Carbery will come into the Six Nations championship as the first choice fly half for his Province. After his summer switch from Leinster to Munster, Carbery has been given the chance to lead a team from No. 10 and he has excelled in the role.

Carbery has loved his time thus far in Munster and has seen aspects of his game develop, especially his game management.

(On improvements) “Definitely, I’m playing week in, week out at such a high level. I’m learning kind of as I go, learning on the job. I’m loving every minute down there and you have your good and your bad days, but you take what you can from each.”

Although current World Rugby Player of the Year Johnny Sexton is almost sure to start at fly half against England on Saturday, Carbery has at least given Joe Schmidt something to think about.

Carbery has outlined how their relationship has not been altered by his move down south, with the Leinster man still willing to advise his young counterpart for the benefit of the National team.

“No, I don’t think so at all. Everyone in this group is trying to make Ireland better and if that makes the players better, which competition does, then that’s a winning environment. The more we push each other it will benefit Ireland. Nothing has changed, the more competition makes both of us better.

(On sharing pointers) Yeah, definitely. I don’t think anyone hides anything in the camp. It’s purely Ireland-based, everyone is focused on the team.”

After 12 wins from 13 last year, including a Grand Slam and victories over Australia and New Zealand, Ireland will come into the Six Nations as heavy favourites. However, England will arguably be their biggest test and have shown glimpses of a return to form, pushing the All Blacks all the way in Twickenham in November.

Carbery is aware of the threat that Eddie Jones side carry and will be leaving no stone unturned in his preparation for Saturday.

“They’ve got threats all over the board. Up front, physicality obviously and then out wide they’ve got some real speed and pretty dangerous runners. We have to be pretty sharp everywhere, expect the unexpected. Stick to our guns, we’ve trained pretty hard the last few days and had a good week last week so hopefully, we’ll have the right system.”