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Scotland club Glasgow Warriors reportedly have signed uncapped Kiwi speedster
The Glasgow Warriors have reportedly snapped up former New Zealand under-20 star and Crusaders fullback Josh McKay, according to a report in The Scotsman.
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A Canterbury product, McKay landed with the Highlanders for his season in Super Rugby in 2018 after an impressive provincial campaign with the red and blacks the previous year.
After a lack of game time, the fullback turned wing was given a lifeline by the Crusaders for 2021, signing as an injury replacement for centre Braydon Ennor.
The 23-year-old wasn’t named in any of the five New Zealand franchise’s squads for the 2021 season after his three-year deal with the Highlanders expired in 2020.
The Scotsman is reporting he will move to Scotland at the end of the New Zealand season in October or November to link up with his new club, where the Warriors see him as a fullback option.
Since losing Stuart Hogg two years ago to European champions Exeter, the fullback role has been filled at times by centre Huw Jones as they look to fill the void left by Scotland’s captain.
The addition of McKay will help the club’s backline after also losing flyhalf Adam Hastings to Gloucester. McKay played flyhalf as a schoolboy before being used as a fullback winger option at higher levels, with his speed a real asset on the pitch.
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He is considered one of the fastest professional rugby players in New Zealand.
“We’ve always known that we needed to add a 15 to the squad and we wanted a real attacking presence,” said Glasgow coach Danny Wilson in comments published by The Scotsman.
“Josh plays wing and 15, and he’s a really exciting runner with the ball, so he’ll suit the surface and he’ll suit the speed we want to play.”
“First and foremost, I know that part of my role is developing Scottish players for Scotland – that is the role of the two clubs as well as winning games of rugby,” acknowledged the Glasgow coach.
The addition of McKay was met with excitement by Scottish rugby fans, who understand that the uncapped utility may eventually qualify for Scotland under residency one day.
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RugbyPass columnist Jamie Lyall wrote “Warriors have needed a top-class fullback in the door for a while and McKay is absolutely that.”
“Classy operator, NZ under-20 cap, still 23-years-old, plays 10, wing and 15, and is absolute jets.”
Scotsman reporting Josh McKay to sign for the Warriors. What a signing that is if true.
— Phill Speirs (@Mightytalisker) February 17, 2021
I’ll buy you an espresso to split 3 ways if it’s Josh McKay
— Jay Mac (@JayMac__) February 17, 2021
If the Josh McKay to Glasgow chat is accurate, as it seems to be, then it's a belting signing. Warriors have needed a top-class FB in the door for a while and McKay is absolutely that. Classy operator, NZ U20 cap, still 23 years old, plays 10, wing and 15, and is absolute jets.
— Jamie Lyall (@JLyall93) February 17, 2021
If the chat of Josh McKay to Glasgow Warriors is confirmed in the morning, here’s what the #WarriorNation will be able to look forward to when he arrives
A really belting player & exactly what Glasgow have needed to replace Stuart Hogg https://t.co/xKenuSfUqe
— Gav Harper (@Gav_S_Harper) February 17, 2021
Looks like the info is out there folks. Josh McKay
— Alistair MacKinnon (@allstar4208) February 17, 2021
Comments on RugbyPass
The value he brought to the crusaders as an assistant was equal to what he got out of being there. He reflected not only on the team culture but also the credit he attributed to the rugby community. Such experience shouldn’t be overlooked.
3 Go to commentsGood luck Aussie
10 Go to commentssmith at 9 / mounga 10 / laumape 12 / fainganuku 14
40 Go to commentsBar the injuries, it’s pretty much their top team …
2 Go to commentsDon’t disagree with much of this but it appears you forgot Rodda and Beale, who started at the Force on the weekend.
10 Go to commentsExcept for the injured Zach Gallagher this would be Saders best forward pack for the season. Blackadder needs to stay at 7, for all of Christies tackling he is not dominant and offers very little else. McNicholfullback is maybe a good option, Fihaki not really upto it, there was a reason Burke played there last year. Maybe Havilli to 2nd five McLeod to wing. Need a strong winger on 1 side to compliment Reece
1 Go to commentsTo me TJ is clearly the best 9 in the competition right now but he's also a proven player off the bench, there's few playmaking players who can come off the bench as calm and settled as he is, Beauden can, TJ can and I doubt any of the scrumhalves in contention can, if they want to experiment with new 9s I want him on the bench ready to step in if they crumble under the pressure. The Boks put their best front row on the bench, I'd like to see us take a similar approach, the Hurricanes have been doing similar things with players like Kirifi.
40 Go to commentsROG has better chance to win a WC if he starts training and make himself eligible as a player. He won’t make the Ireland squad but I reckon he may get close with Namibia (needs to improve his Afrikaans) or Portugal. Both sides had 1000:1 odds to win the RWC in 2023 which is an improvement on ROG’s odds of winning a RWC as a coach. Unlike Top 14 teams, national teams can’t go shopping and buy the best players - you work with the available talent pool and turn them into world beaters.
3 Go to commentsthat backline nope that backline is terrible why would you have sevu Reece when he’s not even top 5 wingers in the comp why have Blackadder when there’s better players no Scott barret isn’t an automatic the guy is more of a liability than anything why have him there when you have samipeni who’s far far better
40 Go to commentsAh, good to find you Nick. Agree with everything about Cale. So much to like about his game
51 Go to commentsNot too bad. Questions at 6, lock and HB for me. The ABs will be a lot stronger once Jordan and Roigard return. Also, work needs to be made to secure Frizzell back for next season and maybe also Mo’unga; they’re just wasting time playing in japan
40 Go to commentsOn the title, i wonder for many of those people it is a case something like a belief in working smarter, not harder?
1 Go to commentsForget Sotutu. One of those whose top level is Super Rugby. Id take a punt on Wallace Sititi Finau ahead of Glass body Blackadder.
40 Go to commentsI’m a pensioner so I've been around a bit. My opinion of SBW is he is an elite athlete and a great New Zealander and roll model. He has been to the top and knows what he's talking about. To all the negative comments regarding SBW the typical New Zealand way, cut that tall poppy down.
17 Go to commentsI'm not listening to a guy moralise over others when this is the guy who walked out mid season on Canterbury RLFC when he had a contract with them, what a hypocrite. All the Kiwis sticking up for this unprincipled individual because they can't accept justified criticism, he has zero credibility or integrity. Those praising him are a joke.
17 Go to commentsI’d put Finau at 6 instead of Blackadder but that’s the only change I’d make. Can’t wait to see who Razor picks.
40 Go to commentsTamati Williams, Codie Taylor, and Same Cane? Not sure about Hoskins Sotutu at test level. Wasn’t that impressive last season. Need a balance between experience and talent/youth.
40 Go to commentsInteresting insight. Fantastic athlete, and a genuine human being.
17 Go to commentsThey played at night in Suva last weekend and it’s an afternoon game forecast for 19 degrees in Canberra this weekend. Heat change is a non issue.
2 Go to commentsWishing Rosie a speedy recovery
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