How Leinster might line up with Joey Carbery next season

A lot of talent to fit in!

The utility back began his career at Leinster, before moving to Munster to get more game time at out-half and improve his international chances, with Johnny Sexton and Ross Byrne blocking his path at his home province.

His time down south was marked by constant injury issues, while his Ireland career stuttered as a result.

A move to Bordeaux in 2024 made sense, and although he never became a starter, he won a Champions Cup, playing a part in the semi-final win over Toulouse.

Rumours were that if he returned to Ireland it would be to Ulster, where he would likely compete for the No 10 jersey with Jack Murphy.

However, the Irish Independent believe that it's Leinster in the front seat to re-sign the 30-year-old, which would see his skills utilised elsewhere on the field.

Despite losing Ross Byrne at the end of last season, and the news that Ciarán Frawley is on his way to Connacht next year, Leinster are still fairly stacked at out-half, with Sam Prendergast, Harry Byrne and Casper Gabriel.

But what they also lose with Frawley is his ability to play at fullback, which is seen by many as Carbery's best position.

Nonetheless, the question remains whether the Blackrock College alumnus would be able to secure a place in Leinster's first-choice 23.

We believe that he can, as long they keep a 5/3 bench split and a couple of the old guard have a drop-off in form.

How will Leinster line up with Joey Carbery?

At out-half, one can only assume that the 20/21-year-old Gabriel will still be third choice, leaving Prendergast and Byrne to fight it out.

At centre, Jamie Osborne will hopefully have cemented his rightful place at 12, inside Garry Ringrose.

Hugo Keenan is as good as guaranteed to take the 15 jersey, but wing and bench is more complex.

Rieko Ioane will be moving on at the end of season, with Leinster likely to replace him with another NIQ.

Tommy O'Brien is odds-on to start on the right wing, while JJ Kenny is making waves this season and pushing for a starting role.

Both James Lowe and Robbie Henshaw seem to be on the wane, so their form will determine whether Carbery could make a fully-fit match-day squad.

Carbery's ability to come off the bench at 15 and offer dual playmaking threat could also force one of Byrne or Prendergast out of the 23.

Possible Leinster backline for 2026/27:

9. Jamison Gibson-Park

10. Sam Prendergast

11. NIQ

12. Jamie Osborne

13. Garry Ringrose

14. Tommy O'Brien/JJ Kenny

15. Hugo Keenan

Replacements:

22. Harry Byrne/Joey Carbery

23. James Lowe/Robbie Henshaw/Joey Carbery