James McCarthy (born 5 January 1999) is a Welsh rugby union player who plays as a wing or fullback.
McCarthy was born in Newport, Wales to an Irish father and a Welsh mother.
He had been part of the Bristol Rovers academy and began playing rugby union aged 12, going on to represent Wales at under-18 schools level and scoring two tries in their win against Ireland under-18 schools in 2017, as well as being a member of the Newport Gwent Dragons academy.
[1] Following his performances in his native Wales, McCarthy, who had been identified through the Irish Exiles pathway, was contacted by the Irish Rugby Football Union, who offered him a place in Munster's academy.
[1] McCarthy spent two seasons with the province, featuring for their 'A' team on a number of occasions, and earning five caps for Ireland under-20s and playing against Wales, before opting to return to Wales in April 2019.