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Welsh rugby has lost one of its brightest young prospects to Ireland after European superpower Munster came calling.

And it’s come back to haunt them already with James McCarthy being in the Ireland Under-18 Sevens squad that beat Wales in the semi-final on the way to being crowned European champions.

Ireland made a move for the Caerleon Comprehensive and Newport High School Old Boys product, whose father is Irish, following his two tries for Wales Under-18s against them at Ystrad Mynach last spring.

(Image: Huw Evans Picture Agency)

He had also scored a blistering touchdown when Wales beat England 29-19 at Ebbw Vale last March and was picked in coach Geraint Lewis’ squad for last month’s trip to South Africa, where the men in red made history by beating the hosts for the first time and again accounted for the English.

Dual-qualified full-back or wing McCarthy, who was born and grew up in Newport, had pulled out of the trip after being courted by Ireland.

McCarthy was on the books of home region Dragons but the lure of being put into two-time European champions Munster’s academy, having his accommodation paid and being put through university in Ireland proved too strong to resist.

“He came through the age-grade system in Wales and was approached by the Irish following their game with Wales,” said former Wales prop Rhys Thomas, who coached him at Newport HSOB.

“They asked him about linking up with a province in Ireland. He’s a clever kid and wanted to go to university.

“Munster met up with him and thrashed out a deal for him to join them and attend university in Ireland.

“James has got the potential to become a senior international. He’s young, has got very good feet and is extremely fast.

“It’s a big loss for Wales but you can understand why he’s gone to Ireland. The chance of joining Munster would tempt anyone while the package they put together for young players is extremely attractive.”

McCarthy said: “I lived in Newport, went to Caerleon Comprehensive, played for Newport HSOB, Dragons Under-18 and Wales Under-18.

“But I’m Irish-qualified and managed to pick up an academy contract with Munster.”