Cardiff Rugby are delighted to confirm that Josh McNally has signed a new contract to extend his stay at the Arms Park.
The 6ft 7ins, 19.6 stone second-row arrived in capital last summer after five seasons with Bath, and has made a significant impact both on and off the pitch.
In his debut season in blue and black, to date, McNally has made 18 appearances, scored one try, and captained the team in the recent BKT United Rugby Championship encounter against Hollywoodbets Sharks.
McNally’s leadership, experience, and physical presence have been invaluable in helping drive Cardiff forward this season. He has quickly established himself as a first team regular and key figure within the environment and head coach Matt Sherratt is pleased to retain his services.
Sherratt said: “Josh has been excellent this season. Most importantly he has come in shown his quality on the field. His set-piece work and physicality has made a real difference to our game and for a big man he has really good soft skills.
“He is also really good in our environment and off the back of his performances on the field his voice and leadership has grown off it. I was really pleased when Josh indicated he wanted to play another year as he has made a big impression in a short space of time.”
McNally’s playing career began with Henley Hawks in 2012 before progressing to London Welsh in 2014 as part of the RAF’s Elite Athlete Program. He later joined London Irish in 2017 and then Bath in 2019, where he became a key figure. His performances earned him a call-up to the England squad in 2021.
He is the latest player to put pen to paper with a new contract, following the likes of Josh Adams, Liam Belcher, Teddy Williams, Alun Lawrence, Ben Thomas and Cam Winnett.
McNally said: I’m thrilled to sign an extension here for one more year. My first season has been a truly special one.
“The environment at Cardiff is fantastic, with incredible people, and I genuinely enjoy coming to work every day. This club has such a proud history, and it’s an honour to be part of it and I’m excited to finish this season strong, working alongside the players and staff to keep growing as a club.
“I’d like to give a huge thank you to my wife, Sarah, and our children, Toby and Alice. They’ve been such an important part of my journey, and I couldn’t have done it without them. Watching Toby and Alice run onto the pitch at the Arms Park after games has created memories I’ll cherish forever.
“The Royal Air Force has also played a crucial role in my career and continues to support me here at Cardiff. They opened the door for me to pursue professional rugby, and I’m extremely grateful for their ongoing support.
“A year ago, I was ready to step away from rugby, but coming to Cardiff has reignited my love for the game. I feel incredibly fortunate to be extending my time with a club full of amazing people, passionate fans, in a fantastic city.”