McKay ready to make his mark

30 Nov 2021

With a Super Rugby highlights reel to turn heads across the rugby-watching world, it’s perhaps no surprise that the announcement that Josh McKay had put pen to paper with Glasgow Warriors was greeted with rapturous acclaim by the club’s fanbase.

It’s a hype that has only grown over time, as the anticipation of McKay’s debut in the black and blue continues to build amongst the Scotstoun faithful.

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The news of the 24-year-old’s arrival in Glasgow a fortnight ago only served to heighten the sense of excitement across the Warrior Nation, a sense of excitement that the man himself shares all too keenly as he gets to know the club and the city he now calls home.

“It’s awesome to finally be here,” McKay told glasgowwarriors.org.

“It feels like a long time ago that I signed for Glasgow – it must have been back in February or March! To finally be here with the lads, throwing the ball around, it’s been great.

“I’ve been having a bit of a look around over the last week or so – it’s still early days so I haven’t done too much sight-seeing just yet, but it’s been good to get around to see parts of Glasgow.

“The boys have been great and it’s been good to get to know a few new faces and challenge myself in a new environment.”

Having travelled with the team to Treviso as 24^th man as he continued to get up to speed following his arrival, McKay will be hoping to earn his first appearance for the Warriors when the Dragons come to town on Saturday night.

With a prospective debut under the Scotstoun floodlights looming, the New Zealand-born flyer is relishing getting stuck into training ahead of the club’s first home fixture in six weeks.

“It’s going to be an experience, for sure!” grinned McKay.

“It’s definitely something I’m looking forward to, though. It always means a lot to run out in front of your home fans, so if that opportunity comes it’s one I’ll grab with both hands.

“If I get selected, I’ll be raring to go. To debut for a new team is a special feeling and if I can get out there, put some good footy together and show what I can do then I’ll be happy.”

With the Warrior Nation keen to make the full-back feel feel right at home, McKay is just as ready to introduce himself to both the club and the United Rugby Championship.

As the weekend approaches, then, what can supporters expect to see from their newest recruit?

“Hopefully a good, hard-working Kiwi attitude!” quipped McKay.

“With the 4G here, you can obviously play a pretty quick brand of rugby, which definitely suits myself and also suits this team. It’s a fast track and it’s one I think I’m going to enjoy playing on.

“It’s going to feel pretty good, I reckon. I can’t wait to get started.”