NEW DEAL: McNally signs on the dotted line

The re-signings continue at London Irish, with second row Josh McNally extending his contract at the club.

Like Lovejoy Chawatama, McNally, 26, extends his stay at Irish after initially joining until the end of the current season.

A Corporal with the Royal Air Force, McNally was an integral part of the RAF Rugby Union 1st XV, which won the Inter-Service Championship for the first time in 24 years in 2015.

Standing at 6ft 7” and tipping the scales at 19 stone, McNally was named in the 2015/16 Championship Dream Team following an outstanding season for Welsh, which saw the Hereford-born lock score four tries in 18 appearances.

McNally’s try against Cardiff Blues Premiership Select was the pick of the bunch, the score sparking an astonishing comeback victory as Welsh overturned a 22-point deficit in the last 19 minutes of the British and Irish Cup contest.

Scooping the 2015/16 London Welsh Supporters Club Player of the Season accolade, McNally went on to make seven appearances for Welsh this term prior to his switch to Irish.

While serving in the RAF, McNally has underlined his credentials as a quality second row, representing the RAF in the inaugural International Defence Rugby Competition in Australia and New Zealand as well as playing for the Combined Services against the Barbarians in the prestigious annual Remembrance Day fixture in 2013.

Delighted to have pinned his colours to the Exiles mast, McNally said: “I’m relishing the prospect of playing for London Irish, a club that has big plans for the future.

“There is a real feel good factor within the club at present and I’m very pleased to have signed a contract extension. I’ve been very impressed with the management, particularly Declan Danaher who has improved my game.”

Irish Director of Rugby Nick Kennedy said: “Prior to signing Josh, I’d been monitoring his progress for some time and his skill-set impressed me.

“His composure, ball carrying and work-rate as well as possessing both Premiership and Championship experience will be invaluable for us as we enter the crucial stages of the season.” 

London Irish's next home game is against Rotherham Titans at 3pm on 8 April. Tickets are available from 0118 968 1016 or click here to purchase online.