Leinster scrum-half Nick McCarthy has been widely praised in the world of rugby and beyond after announcing he is gay, following on from coming out to Blues boss Leo Cullen and his backroom team.
The 27-year-old described how he had previously struggled with his sexuality alongside his position as a professional rugby player, and noted how it begun to have an impact on his happiness.
He told Leinster's website: “I struggled with coming out for a while and it was starting to impact on me and my happiness so it was the right decision.
“It affected me so much that I agonised over my future and contemplated walking away from rugby altogether because I just didn’t think I could come out while playing rugby.
“It’s not common for a male athlete to come out in sport, never mind professional rugby, and it’s probably something that I didn’t want to believe or accept myself either."
So, who is Nick McCarthy and how long has be been at Leinster? Here are all the details you need to know on the scrum-half.
Family life
McCarthy was born in Ann Arbor in the United States of America. At the age of six he began playing rugby for Old Belvedere and from there he attended St Michael's College in Dublin. While there, he represented the St Michael's in the Leinster Schools Senior Cup.
His father, Conor, was a scrum-half for Connacht and his sister, Lisa, won a hockey scholarship in the United States subsequent to representing Ireland at various age levels.
Rugby career
McCarthy represented Leinster at Under-16 and Under-18 and, subsequent to a stint in the sub-Academy, he entered the full Academy ahead of the 2014/15 season.
He earned a place in the senior squad ahead of the 2017/18 season and played a part in the semi-final and final of Leinster's Pro14-winning run and he also featured in the quarter and semi-final of the European Rugby Champions Cup the same year as Leinster claimed top European honours additionally.
McCarthy also featured off the bench in the final of the Pro14 the following season, where Leinster were once again victorious after beating Glasgow Warriors 18-15.
Following the completion of the 2018/19 season, McCarthy signed a two year deal with Leinster's provincial rivals Munster.
He made 23 appearances for the Reds with his curtain call coming against Zebre in the Pro14 Rainbow Cup in June 2021.
He resigned with Leinster for the 2021/22 season.
Internationally, McCarthy has 18 caps as an Ireland U20 player and he captained the side in 2015.
Just recently, McCarthy publicly came out as gay, having informed those at Leinster back in November of 2021.
He has been roundly praised for his decision to come out publicly, with many pointing to the inspiration he will provide for others who are struggling with their sexuality.
Leinster boss Leo Cullen was thorough in his support of McCarthy.
He said: “Nick told us a while ago and the main thing when I talked to him first, was that it was great that he was able to talk openly to us.
“Nick is a brilliant individual and we are supportive of him. That’s the most important bit for me.
"We want to make sure that all our guys are able to maximise their ability and be able to bring all of themselves to Leinster Rugby while they are here.
“To be at your best you need to make sure you are working hard but also it’s about being yourself and it’s important you’re not battling against being yourself.
So doing what’s in your heart, I guess, so we are pleased that Nick has been able to come out with this news so he can start being more comfortable just being himself.”
Speaking on the announcement, Leinster captain Johnny Sexton echoed Cullen's sentiments.
He said: “I've known Nick since his time in the Academy so to hear him talk to us so openly about his struggles has been tough but we are now just delighted for Nick and that he can be himself.
“We talk about looking after our brothers a lot in here and the last few months has been about that, looking out for Nick. And that will continue.
“By speaking openly about his sexuality, Nick will be a role model for others and we couldn't be prouder of him.”
Get the latest sports headlines straight to your inbox by signing up for free email alerts
