Ireland head coach Joe Schmidt says that he is 'happy' that Joey Carbery made a decision about his future and went on to reveal that he was surprised by the news that the young out-half was moving to Munster.
There has been speculation in recent months over Carbery's future but it was confirmed this afternoon that he would make the switch from Leinster to Munster.
"I’m definitely happy he made the decision; the longer the decision hung over him the more of a distraction it could potentially become," Schmidt told RTÉ Sport.
"He didn’t look too distracted based on his performances recently. I thought he was super coming off the bench and immediately getting into the play and opening up space to give back inside for Luke McGrath. They got away and scored a really good try."
"It was a surprise to me I thought he was going to stay where he was based on the discussion I last had with him, the one that was photographed at Wilde and Greene after he rang me and said he’d like to have a chat.
"Since then it’s not something I’ve been involved in I just wanted to leave the pressure off Joey and let him make his own decision."
"I think it does create a few other questions in terms of how many other out-halves are already in Munster under contract. Whether there will be some sort of a concertina affect and someone will bounce out somewhere else."
Schmidt's Ireland squad are set to depart for the three-game series with Australia and with Rory Best ruled out because of injury there is vacancy for captain.
"We have dual vice captains in Peter O’Mahony and Johnny Sexton so it may be that we share the responsibility between those guys.
"It’s not something we have talked to the leadership group about either because we haven’t had time. We will think about it among the coaching staff and will certainly have an on field solution by next weekend."
With Best not travelling, Munster's Niall Scannell has been called in to replace him.
"Niall is very enthused about getting away on tour and getting back in the system he has niggly injuries that have kept him out.
"So he didn’t get a run at things in November, he didn’t get to play at all in the Six Nations where as the previous one he’s had a start and a few shots off the bench.
"It’s an opportunity for him to put his hand back up and get into the shop window."
