Gus McCarthy primed to tame the Lions as Leinster face URC opener in South Africa

South Africa is a country that has provided several landmarks in Gus McCarthy’s rugby career. The Leinster hooker has enjoyed a collection of auspicious moments playing in the homeland of the world champions across several seasons. It started in 2023 when he captained the Ireland Under-20 team to the World Junior Championship final, beating South Africa in the semi-final before losing to France.

The achievement was tinged with sadness as Munster scrumhalf Jack Oliver’s dad, Greig, died in a paragliding accident.