Lock McNally signs new Cardiff contract

Josh McNally won his sole England cap against USA in July 2021

Josh McNally has signed a new one-year contract to extend his stay with Cardiff.

The 34-year-old second row moved to the Welsh capital from Bath last summer and has been an influential figure in his debut season at the club, making 18 appearances and scoring a try.

One-cap England international McNally also captained his side in a 22-42 United Rugby Championship (URC) loss to Sharks in January.

Cardiff head coach Matt Sherratt said: "Josh has been excellent this season. Most importantly he has come and shown his quality on the field.

"His set-piece work and physicality has made a real difference to our game and for a big man he has really good soft skills.

"He is also really good in our environment and off the back of his performances on the field his voice and leadership has grown off it.

"I was really pleased when Josh indicated he wanted to play another year as he has made a big impression in a short space of time."

The forward started his career with Henley Hawks in 2012 and joined London Welsh two years later as part of the Royal Air Force's elite athlete program.

He signed for London Irish in 2017 before moving to Bath in 2019.

And McNally says joining Cardiff has "reignited" his love for rugby.

Discussing his new deal, McNally said: "I'm thrilled to sign an extension here for one more year. My first season has been a truly special one.

"The environment at Cardiff is fantastic, with incredible people, and I genuinely enjoy coming to work every day.

"This club has such a proud history, and it's an honour to be part of it and I'm excited to finish this season strong, working alongside the players and staff to keep growing as a club."

He added: "A year ago, I was ready to step away from rugby, but coming to Cardiff has reignited my love for the game.

"I feel incredibly fortunate to be extending my time with a club full of amazing people, passionate fans, in a fantastic city."

McNally follows the likes of Josh Adams, Liam Belcher, Teddy Williams, Alun Lawrence, Ben Thomas and Cam Winnett in signing a new deal at the Arms Park.