McLaughlin made his debut for Leinster in a Celtic League clash against Glasgow at Hughenden in March 2007, and his Heineken Cup debut against Toulouse at Stade Ernest Wallon in November 2007.
On 17 October 2009, McLaughlin scored 2 tries in a Heineken Cup win against CA Brive.
In November 2009, he made his Ireland A debut in Ravenhill against Tonga XV and was called up to the extended Ireland squad for a test against South Africa.
On 20 January 2010, he was named in the provisional Ireland squad for the 2010 Six Nations Championship, and on 2 February 2010 he was named in the side to make his debut in the Six Nations' opener against Italy at Croke Park.
On 22 September 2015, Leinster Rugby announced McLaughlin's retirement from rugby due to a history of concussions.
