Raised on Rugby: Ross McKay’s Story
Image Credit: @CardiffMetsSport/Carl Robertson
“Rugby means a lot to me. I was introduced to it at a very young age, probably around four or five, when my dad first brought me along. Ever since then, I have been playing. It has been really special to share that interest with my dad, and from that point on, rugby has been a huge part of my life and something I have always loved.” For Ross McKay, rugby is more than a game; it is a connection to family, community, and friendship.
Foundations
Every story starts somewhere, and every journey has a beginning; there is always a starting point. McKay’s rugby story was forged in Ballymena, rising from minis to academy level, representing his hometown while shaping his foundations. It was there that his journey truly began.
In March 2018, he tasted silverware for the first time.
There is something unique about a kicker striking the ball through the posts. It is the breath, the calm, the composure it takes to strike the ball through the uprights — a sense of calm in a storm.
Running out at Kingspan Stadium with Ballymena Academy, his kicking prowess helped secure the Medallion Shield with a 10–8 victory over Campbell College. When McKay speaks of Ballymena, the admiration speaks volumes; there is clearly a lot of love for where it all started.
“Ballymena is where it all began for me. It is where I first started playing rugby and worked my way through the minis. I then went to school in Ballymena. It is my hometown and where I am from.
After leaving school, I played for Ballymena First XV. It was a great time because a lot of my mates from Ballymena Academy joined the club at the same time. Ballymena has a strong history and has always been a big club in Ireland. There is a real sense of togetherness. People often say Ballymena boys stick together, and I think that is very true of the rugby club. Everyone looks after each other, and it is a fantastic club to be part of.”
At Ballymena, he found more than just a club; he found belonging. Those early foundations carried him forward and paved the way for his step into Ulster.
Ulster
McKay got an opportunity within the Ulster system, a vital part of his path. The fly-half became a consistent presence in the province’s age-grade squads, taking on strong opposition. A prime example occurred in September 2022, when Ulster Under-19s took on Leinster Under-19s. McKay went toe to toe with future Ireland international Sam Prendergast. Ulster were defeated that day, but it illustrates the level of competition McKay was facing. He talks about his time with Ulster.
“Growing up in Ulster, you always dream of playing for Ulster. I was fortunate to be invited to trials at 15 and became involved from Under 16 right through. I was also lucky enough to move up to the Under 18s while still in my Under 16 year, which meant I had three years of Under 18 rugby.
“Representing Ulster in the Interprovincial Series was really special, especially playing against Leinster, Munster and Connacht. I progressed to the Under 19s and was fortunate to earn a couple of caps for Ulster A.
“To represent the province I had always dreamed of playing for was incredibly special and something I am very proud to have achieved.”
McKay was at the top of his game as a representative player, but then he faced a setback. Once he recovered, an opportunity arose to travel to the other side of the world.
Auckland
“I was progressing well within the Ulster setup and had just broken into the Ireland Under-19s when I contracted glandular fever. I was out for about half a season, which was incredibly frustrating, especially as things had been going well.
“Once I had fully recovered and was cleared to play again, I decided to go to New Zealand. I joined College Rifles in Auckland, and they were brilliant with me, helping with accommodation and making me feel welcome.
“It was an amazing experience. I played Premier Rugby there, which exposed me to a completely different style of play compared to Wales or Ireland. Towards the end of my time there, I was selected for the Auckland Under-19s and played three or four games. Coming back from illness and getting a full season under my belt in New Zealand was invaluable.
“That experience ultimately led me to consider Cardiff Met. With opportunities in Ulster becoming more limited, partly because I had been out of the country and they had not seen me play, I decided it was the right time to pursue university while continuing to refine my game.”
That is the thing with life: everything can be going great until something happens that is out of your control. It is in that moment that we find out who we truly are.
Sport can hit hard but how you respond is vital. Following illness, he rebuilt in Auckland, sharpening his craft before stepping into a new chapter at Cyncoed.
Cardiff Met
McKay found himself at Cyncoed Campus, an established institution with a steadfast reputation for success and producing elite players. Whether it is the electrifying crowds of Super BUCS or the hardcore crowds of the Welsh Premiership, the university provides a platform for success. Competing in both competitions will be vital to McKay’s progress. He elaborates on how Cardiff Met has helped him.
“Cardiff Met has been brilliant for me. When I first left school, I did not go straight into university. I took a couple of years out. Then I decided to come to Cardiff Met for several reasons, especially the facilities. With the new gym and the overall setup, the facilities are among the best in Wales.
“Being involved in BUCS Super Rugby and the Welsh Premiership has helped me grow both as a player and as a person. One of the biggest benefits is the ability to play at a high level while earning a degree.
“Moving to a different country was a big step. I came here not knowing anyone, and now I have built a strong group of friends from all over, including the Netherlands, England and Wales. It has been great for building connections while also developing physically and improving my performance on the pitch through the setup at Cardiff Met.”
Becoming the best competitor one can be takes commitment. McKay has travelled the world to improve his skill set. He talks about what it is like to live and play in Wales.
Playing in Wales and the future
“I have really enjoyed playing in Wales. There is not a massive difference compared to rugby back home, but playing in a different country is incredibly valuable for a young player, especially for me as an outside half.
“You might go to a team where the fans are giving you plenty of chat and the opposition are trying to put you under pressure. You learn a lot about yourself in those environments. You learn how to adapt, manage games and control situations in tough conditions. That is invaluable as you mature as a player.”
“Overall, it has been a really valuable experience, and I have made friendships that I know will last a lifetime.”
McKay is a great player and has built a wealth of experience for a young player. It will be fascinating to see what the future holds for him.
“Looking ahead, I want to keep pushing myself to play rugby at a high level, whether that is in Wales, England or possibly back in New Zealand. Alongside that, I want to bring in my degree in Sports Coaching. I have always had an interest in coaching, whether at clubs or in schools, and staying involved in rugby as much as possible, both on and off the pitch. Ideally, I will continue playing at a consistently high level while also refining my coaching skills further and applying what I have learned at Cardiff Met in a competitive environment.”
A story of family, resilience and a pursuit of being the best version of oneself, McKay’s story is compelling. From Ballymena’s beginnings to the pitches of New Zealand and into the heart of Cardiff, his path has crossed continents and challenges. And still, it feels like the most important chapters are yet to be written.
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