Due to an injury sustained last season, Josh McKay was unable to see the Glasgow Warriors make it to the Challenge Cup final. Although it was difficult to watch from the stands, the full-back will draw inspiration from it for this Saturday’s United Rugby Championship Grand Final in South Africa.
This is the kind of event he has been anticipating since he was a small Crusaders supporter in Kaiapoi, a town on the South Island of New Zealand, and first held a rugby ball.
Although Glasgow’s matchup with the Bulls at Loftus Versfeld is a major test, their progression to the championship game—where they defeated Munster and the Stormers, the previous two URC champions—indicates that they have a chance in one of rugby’s greatest venues.
“This is a really good challenge for us, and the Bulls are a really good team,” McKay remarked. The Bulls have always been a fantastic team, and I remember watching all the big Super Rugby games as a young child growing up in New Zealand. Being a part of this is very unique.
It is his first season without an injury setback during his third campaign with Glasgow. Compared to 12 and 3 games the previous season, he has participated in 21 games and scored seven tries. It should come as no surprise that he was chosen as the team’s player of the year by the fans given his performances and the numbers. In terms of defenders defeated (49), metres gained (1073), and carries made (191), he is ranked second in the URC. Additionally, he has the fifth-highest total of offloads (21). The 26-year-old McKay believes Glasgow supporters are witnessing his best side now.
“As rugby players, our goal is to be physically fit for selection every week, without any injuries,” he stated. “I had to have a few surgeries during my first few years, but I was still able to play a fair number of games.” My foot ended the previous season, and my ankle did the same the year before.
“My body has been in terrific shape the entire season, and when you play regularly, it boosts your confidence and allows you to develop into a more versatile player. I’ve had an incredible season with the Warriors, and I’m in love with Glasgow, Scotland.”
Having missed the season’s final defeat to Toulon in Dublin, he is even more appreciative of it.
“You feel powerless when seated in the stands. Without a doubt, that feeds the flames,” he stated. “I’m really eager for the task that lies ahead. When you were a little child cheering on the Crusaders, you wanted to be at Loftus with the Bulls. It’s true that I’m not wearing a Crusaders shirt, but it still feels great to be playing for the Warriors against excellent opponents in an awesome stadium.
This week, McKay lost a close friend when Connor Garden-Bachop, a Highlanders Super Rugby player, passed away. Rugby New Zealand was heartbroken to learn of his demise at the age of 25, and the Glasgow full-back paid homage.
“Connor and I played together for Canterbury and the Highlanders, and we attended Lincoln University together,” McKay remarked. It’s just incredibly depressing. He was among the best individuals I’ve ever met in every way. He was a big loss because he would light up every room. Right now, it’s difficult to put into words.