Josh McNally relishing Saracens showdown

With just over a week to go until London Irish lock horns with Saracens at the Madejski Stadium, Exiles second-row and RAF corporal Josh McNally has been a busy man.

Making a try-scoring return in the St Patrick’s fixture following a lengthy spell on the side line, McNally then starred in last week’s RAF victory over the Army, and he will also feature in tomorrow's anticipated Royal Navy v RAF game at Twickenham Stoop (7.45pm).

And, it is not just on the field that he has been keeping busy, the 27-year-old also playing a significant role in organising the RAF Centenary celebrations that will take place during the Aviva Premiership fixture against Saracens. 

McNally, who will speak to Adrian Chiles on BBC Radio 5 Live’s Friday afternoon show next week, is delighted to see London Irish supporting the celebrations. A whole host of activities are taking place in and around the ground on the day, including an official Guinness world record attempt at half-time, and there is a special ticket and hospitality offer for all military personnel and their families.

Two members of the RAF will be attempting to break the world record for the most drop-goals in three minutes to raise money for the RAF Benevolent Fund. The duo are part of the Horus 7s, a team made up of RAF personnel created after Cpl Rob Bugden was left paralysed from the waist down with no dexterity in his hands following a parachute accident. As a team they have raised more than £4,000 for charity through a number of activities including a previous world record for playing the longest 7s game. 

The Royal Air Force Benevolent Fund is the RAF’s leading welfare charity, providing financial, practical and emotional support to serving and former members of the RAF and their partners and dependents. Volunteers for the fund will be bucket collecting at the game and have a stall to raise awareness outside the Megastore.

The South West Regional Air Cadet Marching Band will be performing outside the Megastore at 2pm and inside the stadium before kick-off, while members of the Armed Forces Careers Office will also have a stall outside the stadium with activities and information.

“The Royal Air Force and London Irish have each played a huge role in my life, and with it being the centennial year of the RAF, it’s a perfect time to celebrate the growing relationship between the two,” said McNally, 27. 

“I have been in the Royal Air Force since I was 18 and they have given me so many opportunities on and off the rugby field, and without them I would not be a London Irish player.

“I am extremely grateful for the support that the Royal Air Force has given me and continues to give me throughout my professional rugby career and beyond. 

“Continuing to grow relationships between RAF sport and Professional sport will hopefully give other RAF Personnel opportunities to compete at the highest level.” 

Tickets for the game are available from £23 for adults and £3 for juniors from www.lidirect.co.uk or 0118 968 1016. If you are a member of the Armed Forces, please email [email protected] with your MOD90 number for more information on the ticket offer and code.