Cardiff have been dealt a significant blow ahead of Friday night’s final-round Vodacom URC clash against the Stormers at the Arms Park.
Veteran lock Josh McNally will miss the match having been called up by the Royal Air Force for Saturday’s Inter Service Championship decider against the British Army at Kingsholm.
McNally, a weapons engineer in the RAF, is part of the military’s elite athlete programme, which allows him to continue his professional rugby career while fulfilling service commitments. However, as part of the deal, he is expected to play in games against the British Army and Royal Navy each season.
MORE: Cardiff fire warning shot at Stormers
The Englishman’s absence leaves Cardiff coach Corniel van Zyl short of experience in the second row, with Rory Thornton and George Nott the only senior specialist locks currently available.
Van Zyl is also sweating over injury concerns ahead of the visit of John Dobson’s Stormers.
Flanker Alex Mann is battling a foot injury, while Wales wing Josh Adams is a doubt after failing a HIA against Glasgow. Lock Teddy Williams is also unlikely to return after spending seven months on the sidelines.
WATCH: Cardiff out to shut down Stormers
Cardiff head into the final round seventh on the URC table and know a win over the Stormers will guarantee a place in the playoffs.
The Stormers have already secured their quarter-final spot, but are targeting a top-two finish.
Photo: Steve Haag Sports/Gallo Images
The post Military pulls Cardiff star out of Stormers showdown appeared first on SA Rugby magazine.
Cardiff have been dealt a significant blow ahead of Friday night’s final-round Vodacom URC clash against the Stormers.
The post Military pulls Cardiff star out of Stormers showdown appeared first on SA Rugby magazine. Read More
