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Irish rising star Joe McCarthy takes inspiration from American football but has no plans to follow former Wales international Louis Rees-Zammit into an NFL career.
Leinster Lock McCarthy was one of the standout performers in the opening two rounds of the Guinness Six Nations and was named Man of the Match on his Championship debut against France.
Just two weeks after 23-year-old Rees-Zammit shocked the rugby world by retiring to pursue his dream in the United States, the powerful 22-year-old’s eye-catching performance in a 38-17 win over Les Bleus came .
McCarthy, a New York native, watched Sunday’s Super Bowl, in which the Kansas City Chiefs defeated the San Francisco 49ers, with his teammates from around the world. .
“They say defense wins championships, so that’s a good thing.
“I love coming off the line, I love putting pressure on the team, I love giving them ‘man and ball’, I love getting into the ruck. I like watching NFL defensive players and I like seeing what they’re doing.
“Right now, I like Maxx Crosby of the (Las Vegas) Raiders. I liked the play of JJ Watt (former Houston Texans and Arizona Cardinals defensive end). He’s retired now. .
“I don’t think I’ll be moving to the NFL anytime soon. I’ll continue playing rugby.”
McCarthy defended his second-row spot against Italy in Dublin on Sunday afternoon, helping defending Grand Slam champions Ireland to victory in Marseille.
After making his first Test cap against Australia in autumn 2022, he missed last year’s Six Nations due to injury and subsequently became the youngest member of Andy Farrell’s World Cup squad.
McCarthy admits his rise to international level has brought increased scrutiny.
“I feel like there’s a lot more attention on the Six Nations than there is on club matches,” he said.
“That’s good. I’m getting a lot of great mentions. I’m trying to block it and get back to the process.
“I felt like I was ready to play at that stage (2023 Six Nations) but then I missed a few months with an ankle injury.
“I’m very happy to have the opportunity now and I’m looking forward to it.”
Ireland play Wales at home on February 24, before playing England and Scotland next month.