McKay relishes Scotstoun return as young guns shine

McKay relishes Scotstoun return as young guns shine

  • 12 Sep 2025
  • Men

It had been a long time coming for the Warrior Nation to see their team back on form at home.

As Josh McKay stepped back onto the Scotstoun pitch, the familiar noise of the home crowd washing over him, there was a sense of both relief and anticipation.

The New Zealand-born full-back has become a fan favourite since arriving at Glasgow Warriors, and his return in front of the Warrior Nation marked more than just another pre-season outing – it was a reminder of why McKay and his teammates thrive under the Scotstoun lights.

“It’s definitely good to be back,” McKay told glasgowwarriors.org with a grin after the final whistle.

“It feels like ages since we last played at Scotstoun. It’s good to be out at home, back in front of our home fans.”

The Warriors’ clash against Northampton Saints was about more than easing back into match rhythm. It was a testing ground for combinations, a showcase of fresh talent, and a chance to build momentum ahead of a demanding season.

For McKay, who crossed the whitewash himself, the night offered both personal joy and pride in the new wave of Warriors beginning to make their mark.

The full-back’s try was the product of youthful exuberance and sharp support lines. Though the fullback laughed off his own contribution, fans in the stands delighted in the finish.

“It was unreal,” he said, recounting the moment.

“I was pretty exhausted after the chase back and then the kick long. I was just on the fat man’s track, catching up with the boys! Then I thought, ‘oh jeez, Matty Urwin’s going to be away here, I’d better catch up to him’.

“I was just able to trot it in after not doing too much hard work there – cheers to the young team for setting me up!”

His modesty belied the excitement. Scoring at Scotstoun always brings an added thrill. “It’s always good scoring at home and hearing Dire Straits over the mic,” he added, referencing his trademark try-scoring soundtrack with a smile.

While his own performance drew applause, McKay’s pride was reserved for others – particularly 20-year-old Fergus Watson, who earned Player of the Match honours. The full-back has taken a guiding role with the promising youngster, watching his growth with both amusement and admiration.

“Absolutely buzzing for young Fergster – that’s what he’s nicknamed himself,” McKay joked.

“Nah I’m proud of him. To see his growth over the last probably two years, I’ve known Fergie. He’s come a long way. He was pretty slippery out there.”

It’s a glimpse into the camaraderie within the squad, where experienced internationals and hungry academy graduates mesh to form the spine of the team.

McKay, one of the more senior figures in the backline, embraces his role as both contributor and mentor, striking a balance between responsibility and enjoyment.

The match itself wasn’t without challenges. The opening quarter was a stark reminder of the intensity that awaits when the season kicks off for real. Glasgow found themselves under sustained pressure, territory and possession slipping away as Northampton controlled proceedings.

“It was a tough, very tough first 15 minutes out there,” McKay admitted.

“We were put under a lot of pressure. It felt like we had no possession and no territory – pretty much nothing went right. Obviously we had a lot of young boys on the field, so it was good to actually gain a bit of parity back and claw us into a position to win the match, which is what we went on to do.”

The resilience – refusing to fold under the weight of early setbacks – was perhaps the most encouraging aspect of the night.

“A lot of young boys had to stand up there,” McKay continued. “It would have been really easy just to shy away from it and not dig in; not show the effort we needed. But they did dig in, and that’s what got us back into the game.”

For McKay and his teammates, preseason matches are as much about sharpening execution as they are about testing squad depth.

With a long campaign ahead, including domestic battles and European challenges, the lessons learned on night like these are invaluable.

“This summer’s been good—we’ve put in some hard work the last couple of weeks,” McKay said. “Tonight was about taking a step up from last week. And it’s good to show a bit of a response, good to get that feeling of winning again in front of the home fans.”

The excitement in his voice matched the energy of the crowd. After a summer of preparation, the Warriors faithful were eager to see both familiar faces and rising stars in action. McKay, at the heart of it all, represented the perfect bridge between the two- a proven performer still hungry for more, and a leader intent on lifting the next generation with him.

As Scotstoun emptied McKay’s reflections carried optimism of a player who knows the best is yet to come. For Glasgow, the return home was more than symbolic. It was a statement of intent, a signal that under the lights of Scotstoun, this season holds promise.

For McKay, the feeling was simple: “It’s always good to be back.”

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