Bath have today confirmed the departure of Josh McNally at the end of the 2023/24 season.
Former RAF technician, McNally, joined the ranks of the Blue, Black and White in 2019 and has gone on to captain his side during his five years at the club.
The 33-year-old sits on 84 Bath caps, making his most recent appearance back in January against Bristol Bears.
McNally’s rugby journey began when serving in the RAF which saw him go on to join the Henley Hawks as part of the Royal Air Force Rugby Union Centre of Excellence in 2012.
In a message to the Bath Rugby supporters, McNally said: “It’s time to say goodbye and thank you.
“It’s been a true honour to have had the opportunity to wear the Blue, Black and White, to represent everyone who works for this club, and to represent this great city.
“Bath will always hold a special place in our hearts. A place where myself, Sarah, Toby and Alice have made friends and memories to last a lifetime.
“”Thank you to all the players, coaches and staff over the last five years who have pushed me, guided me and put me back together along the way.
“It’s been full of highs and lows, but I’ve learnt so much and I’ll leave this club a better person. I love this club, I love this city and I will do everything I can to help the lads finish this season with silverware. Thank you.”
NIGEL OWENS DREAM XV:
Notably, a striking facet of Owens’ chosen players is their collective leadership qualities, with the majority of the selected individuals having served as captains for their respective nations.
Fullback: Israel Folau (Australia)
Owens said: “For me, it’s nip and tuck between Halfpenny and Folau, next to nothing to choose between them. Leigh is brilliant because under the high ball and with his kicking at goal under pressure. He may not always break the line when running but puts his body on the line in defence and is a top-notch match-winner.
“But I go for Folau – only just, I should stress – because of his ability to seemingly beat his man every time he gets the ball in his hand. He’s such an exciting player and like Leigh he is one of the best under the high ball.
“It’s a toss of a coin for me… and it’s come down in Folau’s favour.”
Winger: Stuart Hogg (Scotland)
Owens said: “How can you fail to be impressed when watching Hogg play. He’s so exciting as he burst into that line and, of course, was named Six Nations player of the tournament.
“I know he’s a full-back for Scotland, but he is so quick and direct he could easily play on the wing. He reminds me a bit of Shane Williams with some of the things he does.
“When you see who is on the other wing in my team, you’ll see how they would work brilliantly in tandem.”
Outside-centre: Brian O’Driscoll (Ireland)
Owens said: “Not only is he one of the greatest centres in the history of rugby union but he’s a fantastic man off the field as well. O’Driscoll has been a wonderful ambassador for the sport and a real leader. He always respected referees and set the right example for others to follow.
“A legend of the game who conducted himself superbly, on and off the pitch.”
Inside-centre: Ma’a Nonu (New Zealand)
Owens said: “He’s another brilliant player and after every game, win or lose, he would come up and give me a hug. Ma’a has always found time at after-match functions or at breakfast if we’ve been staying at the same hotel to come over and have a chat.
“What a player, mind, too. One of the stalwarts of the New Zealand side for so many years.”
Winger: Shane Williams (Wales)
Owens said: “When people ask me who is the best player I have refereed it’s pretty much an impossible task to pick one because I’ve been lucky enough to take charge of so many greats.
“But if I’m pushed, I would pick Shane for what he achieved after coming from football at 17 or 18 years of age.
“He was in the mould of Gerald Davies in how he left defenders gasping for air as he beat them with those dazzling sidesteps. Nobody would fancy defending against a back three of Shane, Hogg and Folau, I can tell you that.”
