Leinster second row star Joe McCarthy made his Six Nations debut for Ireland in the men in green’s comprehensive 38-17 victory over France this week.

Joe was named man of the match and shared the victory with his family in photos that went viral on social media the day after the win.

He became one of the players to watch after his prowess on the pitch was highlighted in Marseille.

Joe was born on 26 March 2001 in New York to Paula, originally from Tipperary, and Joe, originally from Castletownbere, West Cork. As well as his parents, Joe has two brothers.

His brother Paddy McCarthy, aged 20, is also a rugby player, playing prop for Leinster.

The two players are also brothers of Andrew, who has Down’s syndrome and cheered Joe on from the touchline alongside his parents at the Velodrome.

Andrew also plays the family’s favourite sport, with Seapoint Dragon, a club that offers rugby training to children and adults with motor and mental disabilities.

He also captained the Energia Culture team for Leinster, an initiative to promote participation in rugby by people with physical and learning disabilities.

Beyond this touching and moving image, Joe McCarthy overshadowed Posolo Tuilagi this weekend.

While the USAP player will have the opportunity to shine in the future, it is the 22-year-old Irishman who is exploding and symbolising the future of Irish rugby.

In their post-match analysis on Virgin Media One, the Irish channel that was broadcasting the match, the panel featuring Rob Kearney, Andrew Trimble and Shane Horgan saw McCarthy as a player who was finally capable of competing with the French forwards on a one-on-one basis.

Weighing in at a hefty 120kg, the Leinster second row impressed ITV legend Brian O’Driscoll after the match, when he declared: « My God, what a game he put on! » Nothing less.

What’s more, his presence changed the Irish strategy, as they dared to play a more axial and penetrating game, challenging the French forwards at the edge of the rucks. A new weapon for the Shamrock team in the coming years, no doubt.