Former England lock Josh McNally is 'Flying High' once again thanks to RAF background

“I joined up when I was 19. I hadn’t really played rugby before that,” McNally explains. “I started playing in the Air Force because sport is quite a big thing in the military.”

From humble beginnings in the forces to earning a cap for England in 2021, McNally’s trajectory has been anything but ordinary. Now 34, he still serves in the RAF as a sergeant, recently turning out for them in the annual clash with the Navy, this time on the blindside flank.

“The RAF have been fantastic,” he says. “They have the elite athletes scheme where they withdraw you from your job and allow you to pursue whatever sport it is. We have got guys in the Olympics, athletics, even managers and coaches.”

That support has enabled McNally to enjoy a full-time rugby career, one that included stints with Henley, London Welsh, London Irish, and most notably Bath, where he earned his England honours. Now settled in Cardiff, he’s rediscovered his passion for the game.

“A year ago, I was ready to step away from rugby, but coming to Cardiff has reignited my love for the game,” he says. “It’s been a perfect move for me.”

McNally admits he didn’t expect to play such a significant role on the pitch this season, but the veteran lock has defied his own expectations.

“If Jockey [Cardiff coach Matt Sherratt] had said at the start of the season that I would play 19 of the first 21 games, I would have laughed at him,” he says. “But the body feels good and, as long as that is ok, I will continue to play. I am thoroughly enjoying it.”

While still officially enlisted, McNally no longer works in his original trade as a weapons engineer.

“I don’t spend any time working there currently,” he admits. “It’s very difficult to pop away on a Wednesday and do that! But I still try to keep my hand in and help with sport and leadership stuff and just try and give back a little bit.”

He sees clear parallels between rugby and military life. “The two jobs are not far apart really. All the qualities you use here—discipline, teamwork, leadership—are pretty matching to the military, so it’s been a good fit.”

Standing at 6ft 7ins and nearly 20 stone, McNally brings a wealth of experience and grit to the Cardiff engine room. He’s also relishing his mentoring role within a young, ambitious squad.

“My role here is firstly doing my job on the pitch, but I have also absolutely loved working with this new young Welsh generation,” he says. “It’s been amazing to come here and help out where I can and be a part of that journey.”

He adds, “My first season has been a truly special one and I’m thrilled to have signed for one more year. I feel incredibly fortunate to be extending my time with a club full of amazing people, with passionate fans in a fantastic city.”

With a play-off spot within reach, McNally and Cardiff now face the daunting challenge of a South African double-header to close out the regular season—against the Vodacom Bulls and DHL Stormers.

“The South African teams play a great brand of rugby,” he notes. “They are extremely physical and there is definitely a place for them in the competition.”

“When some of the best players in the world are in your league, that makes your league a lot better. From a personal perspective, you want to put yourself up there and compete with the best in the world and having the South Africans in our league does that. I enjoy them being in the URC and look forward to competing against them.”

From airman to international, Josh McNally’s unique rugby journey continues to climb, and Cardiff Rugby are the latest beneficiaries of his remarkable rise.