Adding to Leinster legacy fuelling Joe McCarthy mission ahead of Toulouse clash

Joe McCarthy is among a number of Leinster players without a Champions Cup medal to their name and the Ireland lock is determined to add to the club's legacy this weekend.

The second row broke in the team over the last year and has also become a firm favourite under national head coach Andy Farrell since the World Cup.

Ireland internationals Hugo Keenan, Jimmy O’Brien, Ciarán Frawley, Ross Byrne, James Lowe, Dan Sheehan, Ryan Baird and Caelan Doris are also on the list of established Leinster players who weren’t around or missed out on the club’s last European victory, their fourth, in 2018 against Racing 92.

"You really want to be part of the Leinster history," the 23-year-old, last night named Nevin Spence Men's XVs Young Player of the Year, told RTÉ Sport’s Michael Corcoran.

"You want to add to the legacy of the club because there has been loads of great teams that have gone by but this team we have is definitely special. We want to win a trophy.

"There’s a lot of young guys here and we want to prove a point."

McCarthy, who has played 13 games this season, including all seven European fixtures, admits there’s no point in taking the final as 'just another game’.

"There’s a different feel this week, a different buzz around the place," said the Dubliner.

"There’s a bit of nervous energy but it’s great. There’s excitement as well.

"It’s a weird balance and you don't want to burn yourself out too much with nerves but there’s going to be a shot of nerves; you are hoping you can harness the butterflies in your stomach to give you an extra level in the game.

"There's great excitement in the group... you are trying to ride that wave all the way in."

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