As Cardiff prepare for their crucial United Rugby Championship regular-season finale against the Stormers this Friday, they'll have to do it without one of their most reliable performers. Lock Josh McNally will sit out the must-win clash at the Arms Park—but not because of injury or suspension. Instead, the 35-year-old has been called away for duty with the Royal Air Force.
McNally, a weapons engineer by trade, balances his military career with professional rugby through the RAF's elite athlete programme. The arrangement has worked well for both sides, but it comes with one non-negotiable: he must suit up for the RAF's showcase matches against the British Army and Royal Navy each season. The Army game falls on Saturday in Gloucester, just one day after Cardiff host the South African side, making the timing less than ideal for the Welsh outfit.
This isn't the first time the RAF has shown flexibility. They allowed McNally to skip April's Navy fixture so he could feature in Cardiff's win over the Scarlets. But the Army clash is a marquee event on the military rugby calendar, and the RAF needs its star lock on the pitch.
There's also a lingering question about McNally's availability regardless of commitments. He suffered a head injury during Cardiff's 40-17 defeat to Glasgow, casting doubt on whether he'd be cleared to play even if the schedule aligned. It's a tough blow for a player who has been nothing short of a workhorse since joining from Bath in 2024. The former England lock has logged more minutes than any other Cardiff player in the league this season, featuring in all 17 URC matches.
His absence leaves head coach with only two fit senior specialist locks: Rory Thornton and George Nott. Teddy Williams, named in Wales' summer squad despite being sidelined since October 2025 with injury, is unlikely to return in time. Flanker Alex Mann is also out with a foot injury, while Wales wing Josh Adams is a doubt after suffering a head knock against Glasgow.
With just one round of regular-season action remaining, the URC play-off race is going down to the wire. Five teams are battling for four spots behind already-qualified Glasgow, Stormers, Leinster, and Bulls. Cardiff currently sit in the top eight alongside Lions, Munster, and Ulster, with Connacht lurking in ninth. After being pipped at the post last season, Cardiff will be desperate to avoid another heartbreak—but doing so without their most durable lock will take a collective effort.