Glasgow bolster ranks as McKay signs on
Promising All Blacks youngster joins squad
GLASGOW Warriors have bolstered their back three options with the signing of former Junior All Blacks cap Josh McKay from the Crusaders Super Rugby franchise.
The 23-year-old is expected to arrive at Scotstoun in lateOctober or early-November after the completion of Canterbury’s Mitre 10 Cup campaign, with head coach Danny Wilson hailing his recruitment as a statement of how he wants the team to play under his tutelage.
“We’ve always known that we needed to add a 15 to the squad and we wanted a real attacking presence with the surface we play on and the style we are trying to play,” said the coach. “Josh has been on the radar for a while, and I’ve spoken to a lot of people who have worked with him in New Zealand, as well as watching a lot of footage – so we’ve done real due diligence and homework on him.
“He’s an incredible running threat – bringing pace, agility and ball skill – and has also shown an excellent work-rate in defence. Despite being only 23, he’s picked up some good experience from quality rugby environments like the Crusaders, Highlanders and New Zealand U20s – and he’s only just coming into the prime of his career physically as an outside back.
“We’re really excited to have him on board and we certainly weren’t the only team chasing him, put it that way. We worked hard to bring Josh to Glasgow and we’re thrilled we’ve been able to make it happen. We think he’s got a big future ahead of him.
“He plays wing and 15, and he’s the kind of player we want to be signing for the future as we look to build the squad.
“I think he’s playing for the Crusaders this weekend, he’s certainly been involved recently, and I’m pretty sure he’ll be playing a fair bit of Super Rugby through that period, so I’m just delighted and excited about having him on-board for next season.”
McKay was a member of the all-conquering New Zealand Under-20s team which lifted the 2017 Junior World Championship and went on to play three seasons of Super Rugby with the Hurricanes. Having established himself as a regular starter for the franchise, it came as a bit of a shock when his contract was not renewed ahead of the 2021 campaign, leaving him a free agent until the Crusaders offered him a lifeline with a season-long deal as injurycover for injured All Black Braydon Ennor.
Despite the name, McKay is not Scottish qualified, but says he is looking forward to experiencing Scotland.
“When the opportunity arose to play for Glasgow Warriors and be able to really experience Scotland it got me really excited,” he said. “Scotland is a place I’ve always wanted visit – I’ve heard so many great things about the country and the people.
“I like attacking with the ball in hand, I’m a balanced rugby player and I think I can make an impact on both attack and defence. I really think the style of Glasgow’s play will suit me.
“I can’t wait to run out at Scotstoun in a Warriors jersey for the first time.”