Paddy McCarthy (rugby union)

For the song by The Corrs, see Talk on Corners.

For the soccer player, see Paddy McCarthy.

Paddy McCarthy

Born	(2003-05-28) 28 May 2003 (age 22) [1]
Height	182 cm (6 ft 0 in) [2]
Weight	110 kg (243 lb)
School	Blackrock College
University	Trinity College Dublin
Notable relative	Joe McCarthy
Rugby union career
Position Prop Current team Leinster Senior career Years Team Apps (Points) 2023– Leinster 10 (0) International career Years Team Apps (Points) 2023 Ireland U20 10 (10) 2025 Ireland A 1 (0) 2025– Ireland 4 (5) Correct as of 22 November 2025

Paddy McCarthy (born 28 May 2003) is an Irish professional rugby union footballer who plays prop for United Rugby Championship side Leinster and the Ireland national team. ^[3]

Early life

He attended Blackrock College where he was teammates with future Leinster hooker Gus McCarthy. ^[4]

Club career

A product of the Leinster Rugby academy, he made his first team debut in the United Rugby Championship against Glasgow Warriors in October 2023. He was officially promoted to the Leinster senior squad ahead of the 2024–25 season. ^{[5] [6]}

International career

McCarthy was a member of the Ireland U20 side which won the grand slam at the 2023 Six Nations Under 20s Championship. ^[7]

In June 2025, he was called-up to the senior side for their summer tour. ^{[8] [9]} Although he did not make his debut in the summer he retained his place for the 2025 Autumn Nations Series. ^[10] He made his debut as a replacement on 1 November 2025 against New Zealand in Chicago, in a 26–13 defeat. ^[11] In the following weeks, he scored his first international try in a 41–10 win over Japan, and then made his first senior start for Ireland against Australia on 15 November. ^{[12] [13]}

Personal life

His older brother is fellow rugby union player Joe McCarthy. ^[14] He studied global business at Trinity College Dublin on a sports scholarship. ^{[15] [16]}

References

1. "Paddy McCarthy". Its Rugby. Retrieved 23 October 2024.
2. "Paddy McCarthy". All Rugby. Retrieved 23 October 2024.
3. "Paddy Mccarthy Profile". Irish Rugby. Retrieved 8 November 2025.
4. O'Sullivan, John (3 February 2023). "Gus McCarthy and champions Ireland looking for a positive start to new campaign". Irish Times. Retrieved 23 October 2024.
5. "Paddy McCarthy". RTE. 23 August 2024. Retrieved 23 October 2024.
6. Tracey, Cian (11 November 2023). "McCarthy brothers aim to join Leinster's proud club of sibling pairs". Independent.ie. Retrieved 23 October 2024.
7. "'He has a massive future... he reminds me of a Furlong-type of player'". the42.ie. 12 July 2023. Retrieved 23 October 2024.
8. Gray, Andy (4 June 2025). "Casey captain as Ireland pick 11 uncapped players". BBC Sport. Retrieved 5 June 2025.
9. Tracey, Cian (4 June 2025). "Craig Casey named Ireland captain for summer tour as Paul O'Connell includes 11 uncapped players". Irish Independent. Retrieved 5 June 2025.
10. "Doris in Ireland squad but McCarthy misses out". BBC Sport. 15 October 2025. Retrieved 15 October 2025.
11. "Ireland 13-26 New Zealand - recap". RTE. 1 Nov 2025. Retrieved 2 November 2025.
12. Petrie, Richard (13 Nov 2025). "Hansen & Prendergast start for Ireland v Australia". BBC Sport. Retrieved 15 Nov 2025.
13. Bradley, Jonathan (8 Nov 2025). "Six-try Ireland eventually power past Japan". BBC Sport. Retrieved 8 Nov 2025.
14. Magliocco, Sarah (3 February 2024). "Leinster star Joe McCarthy's family life and rugby playing brothers following in his footsteps". RSVPlive.ie. Retrieved 23 October 2024.
15. Walsh, Daire (1 June 2023). "Paddy McCarthy hoping to follow in big brother Joe's footsteps". Irish Examiner. Retrieved 23 October 2024.
16. "McCarthy Ready to Take on the World". Sport for Business. Jun 1, 2023. Retrieved 23 October 2024.