The adage is that Ulster says no, but according to The Irish Times, the province have been doing the listening this time around.
The paper reports that Joey Carbery has turned down the opportunity to play for Ulster, although may yet still be encouraged to move elsewhere. After Leinster's stunning Champions Cup semi-final win over Scarlets, Peter O'Reilly of The Sunday Times broke the news that Leo Cullen was visited by Joe Schmidt and David Nucifora and asked to decide which of Joey Carbery or Ross Byrne would succeed Paddy Jackson at Ulster, as Schmidt sought to develop a back-up for Johny Sexton in time for the 2019 World Cup.
Immediately it seemed that Carbery - preferred as a full-back, rather than a 10 by Leinster - would be making the move, but after weeks of speculation, it seems that he has rejected a possible loan move to Ulster.
But, per the Irish Times, the out-half may still end up making a move, but to Limerick rather than Belfast. The murmurs surrounding a Carbery move to Munster started about a month ago, with Victor Costello and Tony Ward both positing that view. Ever since, Munster's travails at fly-half in that position have been laid bare. Ian Keatley struggled badly away to Racing in the Champions Cup, and subsequently lost his place to JJ Hanrahan, who was equally unimpressive against Leinster in last Saturday' Pro14 semi-final.
Given Keatley and Hanrahan's inconsistencies, along with Tyler Blyendaal's injury profile, Munster may well be a suitable destination for Carbery.
See Also: Scarlets Have Far From Ideal Preparations For Pro14 Final Vs Leinster
