Leinster confirm return of Joey Carbery to ranks

Peter Dooley, the 31-year-old prop from Birr, has returned to Leinster following a four-year tenure with Connacht. This move marks a significant moment for the player, who began his rugby journey within the Leinster system and has now completed a full cycle of playing for the province. His return comes just days after Leinster announced the signing of Joey Carbery, another prominent figure from their academy, who is also set to make a comeback to the club.

Dooley's career with Leinster saw him make 104 appearances and score five tries over eight seasons. His professional journey began with a debut against Edinburgh in October 2014, and he reached a notable milestone by earning his 100th cap in a victory over Benetton in March 2022. After leaving Leinster, he joined Connacht in 2022, where he played 67 games before deciding to return to his former club. His decision to come back appears to be driven by personal ties and a sense of unfinished business with Leinster, as expressed by both the player and the coaching staff.

Leo Cullen, the head coach of Leinster, emphasized the significance of Dooley's return, stating that they have had multiple discussions about his potential contribution to the team. He highlighted Dooley's ability to compete at the highest level and expressed confidence in his capacity to help the squad achieve success. Dooley himself welcomed the return, describing it as feeling like coming home and expressing excitement about participating in pre-season training and competing at Laya Arena.

Meanwhile, Joey Carbery's return to Leinster is equally noteworthy. A product of the Leinster Academy, Carbery initially made 37 appearances and scored 101 points during his first stint with the club. His early achievements included being recognized as the Leinster Young Player of the Year and the Pro12 Young Player of the Season. After contributing to Leinster's successful 2018 season, which included winning the Pro14 and Champions Cup, Carbery moved to Munster, where he claimed the BKT United Rugby Championship title in 2023. Most recently, he has been with Union Bordeaux Bègles, where he played a pivotal role in securing back-to-back Investec Champions Cup titles.

However, Carbery's recent season has been affected by a cruciate knee ligament injury sustained in February while playing for Bordeaux against Castres Olympique. As of now, he is undergoing rehabilitation to regain fitness and readiness for the upcoming season. Despite this setback, Carbery remains optimistic about his return to Leinster, expressing enthusiasm about rejoining the team and getting to know new teammates while building upon familiar relationships.

Both players' returns highlight the ongoing efforts of Leinster to strengthen their squad with experienced and talented individuals. Their combined contributions could significantly bolster the team's prospects for the new season. With both Dooley and Carbery bringing a wealth of experience and a deep connection to the club, their presence is anticipated to foster a competitive spirit and drive towards success in the upcoming campaigns.