The Caledonia Miners of Cape Breton were one of the greatest rugby teams to come out of Nova Scotia. Their exploits are legendary and include an unprecedented ten consecutive McCurdy Cups, along with several McTier Cups. John MacCarthy served as their coach from 1927 to 1931.

MacCarthy’s skills, knowledge, and intensive training programs moulded the Miners into the powerhouse that they were destined to become.

MacCarthy played rugby for the Wanderers before turning to coaching at Dalhousie University and Mount Allison University, as well as at Caledonia. He was considered the best rugby coach in Canada and was a man ahead of his time in his coaching technique.