McNally: Nick made me the player I am

INFLUENTIAL London Irish lock Josh McNally admits he was devastated by Nick Kennedy’s departure following the appointments of technical director Declan Kidney and head coach Les Kiss.

McNally, 27, believes his former director of rugby still has a big future in the game despite a serious career setback.

“Nick’s the reason I came to this club after what happened at London Welsh,” McNally said. “I learnt a lot off him and I’m definitely the player I am now because of him.

“It’ll be a sad loss if he doesn’t carry on coaching, but as he’s so knowledgeable, I don’t think it will be long before he’s snapped up.

“It hasn’t worked out for him at Irish and that’s been hard for a lot of the lads to take, but rugby’s a business now, coaches come and go, so I’ve just got to get on with my job with Declan, Les and the other coaches.”

McNally, a serving RAF corporal based at Northholt, made a miraculous return to action against Gloucester last week, just five months after suffering a stroke that required him to undergo heart surgery.

“It happened post-game at Saracens in October,” he explained. “Although it was a minor one, when you have a blood clot on your brain there has to be a reason and for two or three weeks I was simply in limbo.

“Eventually the specialists diagnosed a hole in the heart, which was a relief because otherwise I couldn’t have played again. It was a dark time but the specialists were fantastic and got me sorted after a small op so I could start training again.

“My wife, Sarah, is expecting our first child in June so it’s been quite tough on her and she was nervous about me playing again, but she’s seen how hard I’ve worked and was elated for me, so we can move on again now.”

McNally remains fully committed to Irish despite the likelihood of relegation. “I’m contracted for two years and we’re just trying to put down performances we can be proud of.

“I was in good form last October and it’s been hard not being able to influence things, but I aim to make a big contribution now.”