Gus McCarthy's Ireland performance against Fiji, a try, three assists and finishing the game in the back-row, was superb
His performance was only bettered by his rendition of Katy Perry's Firework on the team bus afterwards
Ireland's Gus McCarthy can lay claim to being one of the most fearless sportsman in Ireland.
Making a senior international debut having opened the 2024/25 season two months previously as Leinster’s fourth choice No2 was one of the greatest selection leaps of all time.
There, against Fiji last Saturday, the 21 year-old was close to Man of the Match, set up the key first try, scored a try, claimed three assists, proved energetic throughout and, as it was needed, finished the game playing in the back-row.
READ MORE: Ireland Player Ratings as hosts breeze past Fiji in Autumn Series clash
Yup, that good but there was more on the team bus taking on Katy Perry’s ‘Firework’ - just off three octaves and at the absolute limit of the English singers' range - as your required debut song? That’s real courage!
"You just gotta ignite the light, And let it shine
"Cos you're a firework, Come on show them what you're worth
"Make 'em go 'Oh, oh, oh...'"
From Leinster Academy, AIL last season, to some first team games at Leinster, to an Ireland training panel invite, to not even being asked to sub but to start for Ireland, McCarthy has been that firework.
“These are incredible memories of the week already even though it’s only just finished. It’s was a day I’ll cherish forever, loads and loads of family and friends.
"After the game it was really, really special, I saw my two sisters, Naoise and Millie, my brother Hubie, my auntie, my mum and dad, and a few of my friends. All that were here, my entire family, cousins and uncles and everything.
“Singing the anthems and hearing the anthems for the first time was really, really special and something I’ll remember for a long, long time. It was great.
"I just relished it and I really, really hope I can get the chance to play again.”
Fourth in line for the Leinster no2 shirt behind RWC 2023 squad members Dan Sheehan, Ronan Kelleher and John McKee through 2023/24, McCarthy was barely mapped, playing just 25 minutes all told for the Blues.
But there is a story within the story as injuries to Dan Sheehan, Ronan Kelleher and John McKee forced Leinster coach Leo Cullen’s hand.
“There is actually five of us," he says generously. "As well as Dan and Ronan there’s two other great hookers in John McKee and Lee Barron at Leinster, so I’m still competing with a lot.
“With the five of us it’s very competitive, anyone can step up and perform, as we’ve seen with the lads in the last few years.
“So, I’ve just said to myself or when I’m speaking to my parents, and my dad especially, any opportunity I get I have to try and take it.
“I can’t wait around, especially in training. I just have to try and put my best foot forward and impress the coaches when I get a chance and this season I’ve got five games."
One of Ireland’s most exciting young talents has had a spectacular couple .
“From club to international level is a big step up and I found it tiring out there,” continues McCarty.
“I think I credit myself with having pretty good fitness. When I saw ‘Ro’ (Ronan Kelleher) coming on and I was staying on it was a bit of a shock but I was delighted just to stay on there for as long as possible and relish the experience.
"I played the eighty but I definitely was blowing at the end.”
All of this this, by the way, after a start that saw McCarthy mess up a primary duty, his first throw-in deemed crooked.
“Throwing is something that I have to keep working on. I have, in the past, got very bogged down on certain decisions.
“The referees are doing their best but I thought it was quite harsh as well so I just had to move on and forget about it. I’m still trying to improve.”
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