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New Ireland star Joe McCarthy has been taking inspiration from American soccer but has no plans to comply with former Wales wing Louis Rees-Zammit in chasing an NFL profession.
Leinster lock McCarthy has been one of many standout performers of the opening two rounds of the Guinness Six Nations and was named man of the match on his championship debut towards France.
The highly effective 22-year-old’s eye-catching show in a 38-17 win over Les Bleus got here simply over a fortnight after 23-year-old Rees-Zammit surprised rugby union by quitting to pursue a dream within the United States.
New York-born McCarthy, who tuned in with worldwide team-mates to watch Sunday’s Super Bowl because the Kansas City Chiefs defeated the San Francisco 49ers, mentioned: “I love the defensive side of the game, probably like it more than the attack sometimes.
“They say defence wins championships, so it is good.
“I love getting off the line, I love pressuring teams, love getting them ‘man and ball,’ getting in at rucks. I like watching the defensive players in NFL, like seeing the stuff they do.
“At the moment I like Maxx Crosby from the (Las Vegas) Raiders. I liked JJ Watt (former Houston Texans and Arizona Cardinals defensive end) when he played. He is a beat, or was, he is retired now.
“I don’t think I’ll be changing over to the NFL any time soon. I’ll stick with the rugby.”
McCarthy retained his second-row spot for Sunday afternoon’s 36-0 victory over Italy in Dublin as defending Grand Slam champions Ireland backed up their assertion success in Marseille.
Following his first Test cap towards Australia within the autumn of 2022, he missed final yr’s Six Nations due to damage earlier than turning into the youngest member of Andy Farrell’s World Cup squad.
McCarthy admits his elevation at worldwide degree has introduced elevated scrutiny.
“There is way more attention in the Six Nations, you can feel it, much more than club games,” he mentioned.
“It is good, you are getting a lot of nice mentions; you’re trying to block it out and just go back to the process.
“I felt I was ready to go at that stage (in the 2023 Six Nations) but an ankle injury kept me out for a few months. That happens.
“It’s great to get an opportunity now and I am looking forward to it.”
Ireland return to motion at house to Wales on February 24 earlier than taking over England and Scotland subsequent month.
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