Josh McNally to Miss Cardiff's URC Final Regular League Game
Cardiff lock Josh McNally will be unavailable for their United Rugby Championship (URC) final regular league match against the Stormers on Friday due to his Royal Air Force (RAF) playing commitments.
McNally, aged 35, serves as a weapons engineer in the RAF, which supports his rugby career in Wales through its elite athlete programme. The RAF expects him to participate annually in key matches against the British Army and Royal Navy.
The RAF previously permitted McNally to skip the Navy game in April so he could play for Cardiff in their victory over the Scarlets in Llanelli. However, he must be available to face the Army in Gloucester on Saturday, a day after Cardiff hosts the South African side at the Arms Park (kick-off at 19:45 BST).
McNally’s availability for the weekend remains uncertain following a head injury sustained during Cardiff’s 40-17 defeat to Glasgow.
Since joining from Bath in 2024, the former England lock—who earned his sole England cap against the USA in July 2021—has been a valuable addition to Cardiff. He has played the most minutes for the club in the league this season, featuring in all 17 URC matches.
With McNally sidelined, Rory Thornton and George Nott remain the only fit senior specialist locks for Cardiff. Teddy Williams, named among 12 Cardiff players in Wales’ summer squad despite being out injured since October 2025, is unlikely to return soon. Additionally, flanker Alex Mann is absent due to a foot injury, and Wales wing Josh Adams is doubtful after suffering a head injury against Glasgow.
URC Play-Off Race Intensifies
After seven months of league competition, the battle for the URC top eight has tightened, with five teams vying for four remaining play-off spots. Glasgow, Stormers, Leinster, and Bulls have already secured their places.
Currently, the Lions, Munster, Cardiff, and Ulster occupy the remaining positions, while ninth-placed Connacht is pressing hard to break into the top eight.
Cardiff aims to avoid missing out on the play-offs again after narrowly losing out to the Scarlets by a single point last season. A victory against second-placed Stormers—marking Cardiff’s 11th league win—would guarantee a play-off berth regardless of Connacht’s result at Edinburgh or Ulster’s home match against Glasgow on Friday night.
Cardiff’s home form has been impressive this season, with nine wins from ten games at the Arms Park.
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