Mike McCarthy will play for Leinster next term © PA Photos

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Connacht have suffered a blow following the news that Irish international second-row Mike McCarthy has decided to leave the province in favour of a move to Leinster ahead of next season.

McCarthy has been at Connacht since 2007, following a spell at Newcastle, and won the first of his six caps for Ireland back in 2011. He played a key role in their win over Biarritz on Friday evening and Connacht's chief executive Tom Sears has confirmed that McCarthy's decision to move on is a blow.

"We are bitterly disappointed to lose Mike McCarthy, who has been a popular senior member of our squad," Sears said. "While disappointed, particularly given the continued success of Connacht Rugby in recent years, we respect the individual player's decision and wish Mike every success in his future playing career."

McCarthy will become just one of a few Connacht players who have opted to move to Leinster in recent seasons with Sean Cronin, Jamie Hagan and Fionn Carr all opting for a move to the current Heineken Cup holders.

Sears added: "We have been aware of Leinster's interest in Mike for some time. It is disappointing they have persistently targeted Connacht players in recent years, particularly when often not in the best interest of Irish Rugby."