New Ireland star Joe McCarthy has been taking inspiration from American football but has no plans to follow former Wales wing Louis Rees-Zammit in chasing an NFL career.
Leinster lock McCarthy has been one of the standout performers of the opening two rounds of the Guinness Six Nations and was named man of the match on his championship debut against France.
The powerful 22-year-old’s eye-catching display in a 38-17 win over Les Bleus came just over a fortnight after 23-year-old Rees-Zammit stunned rugby union by quitting to pursue a dream in the United States.
Week 2 ✅⚡️ pic.twitter.com/F5gh9n1vVg — Louis Rees-Zammit ⚡️ (@LouisReesZammit) February 6, 2024 New York-born McCarthy, who tuned in with international team-mates to watch Sunday’s Super Bowl as the Kansas City Chiefs defeated the San Francisco 49ers, said: “I love the defensive side of the game, probably like it more than the attack sometimes. “They say defence wins championships, so it is good. “I love getting off the line, I love pressuring teams, love getting them ‘man and ball,’ getting in at rucks.