Irish-born James McCourt joins Jacksonville Jaguars

Dublin-born kicker James McCourt has been snapped up by the Jacksonville Jaguars after his services were waived by the Los Angeles Chargers on Monday.

McCourt, who moved with his family to Florida at the age of eight, now has the opportunity to capitalise on being the sole player in his position on the Jaguars roster after Ryan Santoso was cut by the AFC South outfit.

The University of Illinois alumnus was successful with 37 of 52 field goals in three seasons with the Illini and made 18 of 23 field goal attempts last season.

McCourt converted both of his attempted extra points in preseason with the Chargers, but did not have a field goal attempt.

"It will be a good opportunity for him," Jaguars' head coach Doug Pederson said of the rookie prospect.

McCourt made eight field goals of at least 50 yards during his collegiate career, with his big leg catching the eye of the Super Bowl-winning coach.

"It's impressive, that part of it you like," Pederson enthused. "And, obviously, the consistency is what you look for in kickers.

"And it’ll be a good opportunity for him and then for us to keep going through the process. We’ve still got a little bit of time here before kicks mean something."

Winless in preseason, the Jaguars and McCourt travel to the Mercedes-Benz Stadium on Saturday to face the Atlanta Falcons in their final game before the season kicks off on 11 September against the Washington Commanders.