Nick McCarthy (rugby union)


Nick McCarthy is an Irish rugby union player, currently playing for Pro14 and European Rugby Champions Cup side Munster. He plays as a scrum-half.

Early life

Born in Ann Arbor, Michigan in the United States, McCarthy first began playing rugby aged 6 for Old Belvedere, and went on to attend St Michael's College, Dublin and represent the school in the Leinster Schools Senior Cup. McCarthy is studying engineering at University College Dublin and plays for UCD in the All-Ireland League. His father, Conor, was a scrum-half for Connacht, and his sister, Lisa, won a hockey scholarship in the United States, having represented Ireland at various age-grade levels.

Professional career

Leinster

Having represented Leinster at under-16 and under-18 level, McCarthy joined the provinces sub-academy in 2013, before entering he full academy ahead of the 2014–15 season. He was promoted to the senior squad ahead of the 2017–18 season, and featured for the team in the semi-final and final during their victorious 2017–18 Pro14 season, as well as featuring in the quarter-final and semi-final for the province on their way to winning the 2017–18 European Rugby Champions Cup. During the following season, McCarthy again experienced domestic success, featuring off the bench during Leinster's 18–15 win against Glasgow Warriors in the final of the 2018–19 Pro14.

Munster

McCarthy joined Leinster's provincial rivals Munster on a two-year contract after the completion of the 2018–19 season, and made his competitive debut for the province in their opening 2019–20 Pro14 39–9 win against Welsh side Dragons on 28 September 2019.

Ireland

McCarthy first represented Ireland at under-18 level in 2013, before going on to win selection for the under-20s in 2014, winning 18 caps and captaining the side in 2015.

Honours

Leinster