McCarthy more hungry for success with Leinster after return from Six Nations

Although Leinster will be desperate to triumph in Europe’s top-tier this term after losing three Champions Cup deciders in succession, the United Rugby Championship is also a major target for the Blues.

HUNGRY FOR SUCCESS: He was as disappointed as anyone with the way Ireland’s 2025 campaign ended, but as he aims to challenge for success with Leinster in the coming weeks, Joe McCarthy has stressed the Six Nations is now very much in the past. Pic: ©INPHO/Nick Elliott

He was as disappointed as anyone with the way Ireland’s 2025 campaign ended, but as he aims to challenge for success with Leinster in the coming weeks, Joe McCarthy has stressed the Six Nations is now very much in the past.

Having started every game during their march towards the Championship in 2024, McCarthy was looking to help Ireland secure a third title on the bounce in this year’s Six Nations. Yet despite securing a Triple Crown with just three rounds played, a comprehensive 42-27 defeat to France at the Aviva Stadium on March 8 ultimately played a huge part in Ireland finishing third in the final Championship standings.