- Date of Birth26 / 03 / 2001
- Lions Tours2025
- International CapsIreland (19 caps)
- Lions Origin SchoolsTrinity College Dublin, Dublin University
- Lions Origin ClubsBlackrock College, Dublin University
Leinster and Ireland lock Joe McCarthy was an integral part of the British & Irish Lions Tour to Australia in 2025.
Though he withdrew after 43 minutes of the first Test due to an injury to his plantar fascia, he was brilliant in his performances in the warm-up fixtures, and led from the front with his physicality.
Born in New York, McCarthy returned to Ireland at three years old and has since cemented himself as a staple of the Ireland match day squad.
The older brother of fellow Leinster player Paddy McCarthy, the lock made his provincial debut in Round 11 of the 2021-22 United Rugby Championship against Cardiff.
Quickly singled out for his size and potential, McCarthy was included in the squad for the 2022 tour of New Zealand, before making his Test debut that November after coming off the bench in a 13-10 win over Australia.
McCarthy was the youngest member of the Ireland squad for the 2023 World Cup before an explosive first Six Nations appearance against France in Marseille in 2024.
He was named Player of the Match in the 38-17 win, a record margin of victory for Ireland away in France.
McCarthy went on to start in every game of the Six Nations for Ireland as they retained their title.
He has not looked back since, and was, named in the starting XV of Ireland's 11 matches that year.
A player made for big moments, the Leinster lock is known for putting on a show of physicality backed up by moments of polished skill.
Despite missing the start of the 2025 Six Nations, McCarthy returned for the clash with Wales and was then reunited with Farrell on the Tour Down Under.