Nick McCarthy (rugby union)

For the English musician, see Nick McCarthy.

Nick McCarthy
Date of birth (1995-03-25) 25 March 1995 (age 29)
Place of birthAnn Arbor, Michigan, U.S.
Height1.80 m (5 ft 11 in)
Weight84 kg (13.2 st; 185 lb)
SchoolSt Michael's College
UniversityUniversity College Dublin
Rugby union career
Position(s) Scrum-half
Senior career
Years Team Apps (Points)
2015-19 Leinster 36 (10)
2019-21 Munster 23 (0)
2021-23 Leinster 26 (5)
2023– Chicago Hounds ()
Correct as of 13 May 2023
International career
Years Team Apps (Points)
2013 Ireland U18
2014–15 Ireland U20 18 (5)
2023- United States 3 (5)
Correct as of 19 Aug 2023

Nick McCarthy (born 25 March 1995) is an Irish rugby union player, currently playing for Major League Rugby side Chicago Hounds and formerly for Leinster and Munster.[1] 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.[2]

Professional career

Leinster

Having represented Leinster at under-16 and under-18 level, McCarthy joined the provinces sub-academy in 2013, before entering the full academy ahead of the 2014–15 season.[2] He was promoted to the senior squad ahead of the 2017–18 season,[3] 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.[4] 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.[5]

Munster

McCarthy joined Leinster's provincial rivals Munster on a two-year contract after the completion of the 2018–19 season,[6] 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.[7] His final appearance for the province was in their 54–11 away win against Zebre in round 6 of the Pro14 Rainbow Cup on 11 June 2021.[8]

Return to Leinster

McCarthy rejoined Leinster from the 2021–22 season.[9]

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.[2]

Honours

Leinster

Personal life

McCarthy came out as gay in June 2022, joining a small number of men to do so during their playing career.[10]

References

  1. ^ "Hounds Sign Scrum Half Nick McCarthy". Chicago Hounds. 2 October 2023.
  2. ^ a b c "Hotshots: Leinster and UCD scrum-half Nick McCarthy". Rugby World. 3 June 2015. Retrieved 27 May 2019.
  3. ^ "Leinster Sign Maori All Blacks' James Lowe". Leinster Rugby. 6 March 2017. Retrieved 27 May 2019.
  4. ^ "McCarthy's inter-provincial move from Leinster to Munster makes sense". The42. 18 October 2018. Retrieved 27 May 2019.
  5. ^ "Leinster go back-to-back in the Pro14 as they edge Glasgow at Celtic Park". The42. 25 May 2019. Retrieved 27 May 2019.
  6. ^ "Player Contract Boost Continues". Munster Rugby. 18 October 2018. Retrieved 18 October 2018.
  7. ^ "Report | Bonus-Point Win Over Dragons At Thomond". Munster Rugby. 28 September 2019. Retrieved 28 September 2019.
  8. ^ "Report | Munster Finish Season With Bonus-Point Victory". Munster Rugby. 11 June 2021. Retrieved 12 June 2021.
  9. ^ "Nick McCarthy rejoins Leinster from Munster". Irish Examiner. 12 April 2021. Retrieved 12 April 2021.
  10. ^ "McCarthy - Coming out has been really positive". Leinster Rugby. 20 June 2022. Retrieved 20 June 2022.