NEW Rams fly-half Ross McKay is buzzing to build new relationships after his arrival at Old Bath Road.
The Irishman is one of several players to join the National One outfit from Cardiff Met University, but revealed it was another alumni who helped set things up.
He explained: “I know Louis Pereira and he was glowing about the club.
“Then I came along at the end of last season and straight away I was impressed.
“It’s an exciting club which has a lot of good young players, and it’s definitely heading in the right direction.”
The Ulsterman first took up the sport as a four-year-old at Ballymena RFC – home of the legendary Willie John McBride – when his dad Alistair took him along.
He studied at Ballymena Academy Grammar with his rugby exploits earning him provincial selections from Under 16-U19.
McKay was also included in an Ireland U19 squad but was forced out with glandular fever.
His top rugby moment to date was playing for Ulster A, though he also hailed six months in New Zealand as a ‘fabulous experience’.
After leaving school he spent six months playing Premier Grade with College Rifles in Auckland – during which he was picked up by their U19 squad – including against All Black Patrick Tuipuloto.
The Sports Coaching graduate played plenty of rugby during his three years at university, featuring for both Met’s BUCS Super Rugby and Welsh Premiership sides.
And describing his style, he explained: “I feel one of my strengths is my game management, making the right decisions depending where on the pitch we are.
“I’m looking forward to joining the club, making new relationships with everyone and trying to play as much as possible.
“I’m looking to really enjoy it – I think that’s very important – even when times are challenging.
“I’d love to get into the first team, but know there are a lot of good players. It should be fun.”
And one of the things the stand-off is most looking forward to is to meet the Ramily.
He concluded: “I’ve watched highlights of a few games and it seems a brilliant atmosphere.
“If I get the chance to play in front of the Ramily on a Saturday afternoon it would be awesome.
“And then of course to have a chat with them after and really get to know the fans.”
