Player

Gus McCarthy

Hooker - Leinster - Blackrock College - UCD

Profile

Gus McCarthy's pathway runs through Blackrock College, UCD, Ireland U20 and Leinster. A hooker with leadership in his profile, he came through one of the strongest schools rugby environments in Ireland before moving into the Leinster Academy and senior squad.

His school story is a major part of the pathway. McCarthy captained Blackrock College to the 2022 Leinster Schools Senior Cup title, giving him one of the clearest schools cup milestones in the current Leinster squad. That Blackrock side included a number of players who have since remained visible in underage, AIL and professional pathways.

McCarthy then became one of the central figures in the Ireland U20 group. He captained Ireland U20 to a Grand Slam in 2023 and led the side at the World Rugby U20 Championship, giving him a strong leadership profile before his senior Leinster breakthrough.

By 2025/26, McCarthy is part of Leinster's senior hooker group alongside Dan Sheehan, Ronan Kelleher and John McKee. His pathway links Blackrock College, UCD, Ireland U20 and Leinster, with the school captaincy and Ireland U20 captaincy making leadership the main thread of the profile.

Linked Public Pages

• Blackrock College
• UCD

Related Matches

Public Honours And Pathway Tags

• U19
• U20