Monday 6 March 2017 16:37, UK
Mike McCarthy has announced he will be leaving Leinster at the end of the season to join French Pro D2 side Racing Club de Narbonne.
The 35-year-old second row, who has won 20 caps for Ireland, has signed a two-year deal.
McCarthy played 75 times for Leinster after joining from Connacht in 2013 and also played for Newcastle Falcons and Wasps.
He is looking forward to a new challenge in France next season but is determined to finish his Leinster career on a high note first, with the province challenging for silverware in both the Champions Cup and PRO12.
McCarthy said: "I have loved my time in Leinster Rugby and am very grateful for my time here.
"But this is an excellent opportunity for me and for my young family and I am really excited for the challenge with Narbonne.
"There is a lot of ambition amongst the President and coaching team to rebuild this historic club and I'm really looking forward to playing a part in achieving this.
"However, firstly I'm focused on a big end of season with Leinster and hopefully repaying the club and the supporters with some silverware.
"We are in a really good place on two fronts and I look forward to contributing over the next few months and finishing out as strongly as possible."
