Tom McCartney: I’d love to put on Irish jersey

Tom McCartney admits he hopes to be part of Ireland’s 2019 World Cup squad, after he signed a new three-year deal with Connacht.

The New Zealand-born hooker, who becomes eligible to play for Ireland next November, pointed to the youthful make-up of the Connacht squad as one of the chief reasons behind his decision to remain at the Sportsground, plus the 31-year-old has set his sights on international honours.

“When I first signed, I was a bit reluctant to talk about it [international selection] because it was such a long way away. Anything could happen and it is starting to get a little bit closer now. I’d love the opportunity to put on the jersey, but there are guys there who have done an awesome job of late.”