'He was a pain in the arse': When debutant McCarthy caught Farrell's eye

A new addition to the Ireland fraternity is set to be registered this weekend, with prop Paddy McCarthy in line for a potential debut off the bench when Andy Farrell’s men square off with New Zealand in Chicago.

It’s quite the occasion to be making a debut, with the backdrop of 2016’s historic Test and the rivalry that has blossomed in the time since drawing a huge crowd in the USA’s Windy City.

But such is Farrell’s faith in the 22-year-old that the deep end of the Test rugby pool is deemed the natural next step of the youngster’s journey.

The coach told reporters on Thursday morning that a special glint in McCarthy’s eye first caught his attention when his squad played against the prop’s U20 outfit back in 2023.

“That’s why we do train against the under-20s, so we know who’s coming through,” the coach explained.

“I get asked the question, ‘Do you want to train against them this year?’ Well, imagine being in the under-20s and you didn’t get an opportunity to train against the first team, and every other year has.

“I reckon it’s an unbelievable tradition, because you see people like Paddy, and he was a pain in the arse. He spoiled our session on many occasions, actually.

“But there’s something in the eyes there that not a lot of people have got. So, he’s been on the radar for a good few years because of how he took it to the senior boys.”

Head-to-Head

Last 5 Meetings

Wins

2

Draws

0

Wins

3

Average Points scored

21

22

First try wins

60%

Home team wins

0%

McCarthy will have the opportunity to take it to the All Blacks come Saturday, when he can leave a similar impression on Farrell’s Kiwi counterpart, Scott Robertson.

Farrell was sure to mention the prop’s inclusion in Ireland’s July series squad as a key piece of context in his journey to Saturday’s potential debut. While the team suited up against both Georgia and Portugal, McCarthy was not selected, even with the absence of the team’s British & Irish Lions stars.

“Paddy was on that summer tour, and he didn’t get capped,” Farrell reflected. “Obviously, it lit a fuse, and for Tommy (O’Brien) as well, because he’s back.

“Those types of experiences have allowed Paddy to show everyone what he’s got at the start of this season. And what a story; he’s making his debut in Chicago. It’s such a privilege to see all of that happen.”