Adding to Leinster legacy fuelling Joe McCarthy mission ahead of Toulouse clash

Michael Glennon Michael Glennon | 05-23 16:15

Joe McCarthy is among a number of Leinster players without a Champions Cup medal to their name and the Ireland lock is determined to add to the club's legacy this weekend.

The second row broke in the team over the last year and has also become a firm favourite under national head coach Andy Farrell since the World Cup.

Ireland internationals Hugo Keenan, Jimmy O’Brien, Ciarán Frawley, Ross Byrne, James Lowe, Dan Sheehan, Ryan Baird and Caelan Doris are also on the list of established Leinster players who weren’t around or missed out on the club’s last European victory, their fourth, in 2018 against Racing 92.

"You want to add to the legacy of the club because there has been loads of great teams that have gone by but this team we have is definitely special. We want to win a trophy.

"There’s a lot of young guys here and we want to prove a point."

Joe McCarthy celebrates with the Six Nations trophy

McCarthy, who has played 13 games this season, including all seven European fixtures, admits there’s no point in taking the final as 'just another game’.

"There’s a different feel this week, a different buzz around the place," said the Dubliner.

"There’s a bit of nervous energy but it’s great. There’s excitement as well.

"It’s a weird balance and you don't want to burn yourself out too much with nerves but there’s going to be a shot of nerves; you are hoping you can harness the butterflies in your stomach to give you an extra level in the game.

"There's great excitement in the group... you are trying to ride that wave all the way in."

Leinster have faced different challenges in their run to the final, taking down La Rochelle twice, Leicester and Northampton along the way.

On the challenge of Top14 leaders Toulouse, McCarthy said: "They bring a bit of ingenuity.

"A final is completely different, everyone is throwing the kitchen sink at it ‘cos there’s so much on the line.

"It’ll be extremely physical and tough but we’ve prepared for that. We need to pitch up at the right intensity for this game."

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