Mike McCarthy

Michael McCarthy (born 27 November 1981) is an English-born retired Irish professional rugby union player who was educated at Sedbergh School. He plays his club rugby for the Irish provincial team Leinster Rugby in the Pro14, having joined from rival Irish team Connacht in 2013. He can play in the second row or as a flanker. Club career Early career McCarthy started his professional career playing for Premiership club London Wasps in the 2001–02 season. He made a single substitute appearance for the team in that year's Premiership against Sale Sharks, and did not play in any European games. The following season he made an increased number of appearances, playing three times in the 2002–03 Premiership as Wasps won the title. He also made two appearances in the 2002–03 European Challenge Cup, playing both first round ties against Overmarch Parma, including making his first start away to the Italians on 12 October 2002, in a tournament Wasps also went on to win, for a domestic and European double. Connacht McCarthy joined the Irish side Connacht in 2003. He made his debut from the bench in a Celtic League match away against Welsh side Cardiff Blues on 13 September. McCarthy played 16 times in total in the 2003–04 Celtic League, scoring two tries. He also made eight appearances in the European Challenge Cup as Connacht made it to the semi-finals, where they were narrowly beaten by eventual winners Harlequins over two legs. McCarthy left Connacht after one season, returning to English rugby with the Newcastle Falcons.