Josh McKay Scotland eligibility: Glasgow full-back could be an option for Japan Test

Josh McKay Scotland eligibility: the Glasgow Warriors full-back could become an option for Gregor Townsend in November, when he reaches five years’ residency.

McKay was not included in the 37-player squad announced on Monday. However, Townsend has left the door open to a later call-up, with the Japan match on 21 November falling within the reported eligibility window.

When does Josh McKay qualify for Scotland?

McKay becomes eligible in November 2026, five years after moving to Glasgow. His club confirmed the residency route in a Glasgow Warriors interview published in March.

“It will be five years in November this year, so we will see what happens,” McKay said.

The full-back’s potential availability comes during Scotland’s November programme. Townsend’s comments, reported by The Scotsman on 26 October, place his qualification ahead of the Japan fixture.

That makes Japan a possible opportunity for selection, rather than a confirmed debut.

Why is Josh McKay not in Scotland’s squad?

McKay has not yet completed the residency period, and Townsend has selected other options for the opening matches. Becoming eligible will allow him to be considered, but he must still earn a place.

The Scotland coach described McKay as “very, very keen” and praised his contribution at full-back. However, he also stressed the competition for places when Scotland’s back-three players are fit.

“We’ll see how things progress over the next few weeks,” Townsend said, as reported by The Scotsman.

Blair Kinghorn, Kyle Rowe, Kyle Steyn, Darcy Graham, Duhan van der Merwe and Ollie Smith are among the backs named in Scottish Rugby’s squad announcement.

Does Josh McKay qualify through Scottish family?

McKay has Scottish ancestry, but his family connection is too distant to provide his route into the national team.

In his Glasgow interview, he traced that connection back to ancestors who moved to New Zealand in the nineteenth century. His qualification instead comes through residency following his arrival from the Crusaders in 2021.

McKay was born in Christchurch and grew up in Kaiapoi. He has spoken openly about wanting the opportunity to represent his adopted country.

When do Scotland play in November?

Scotland host three Nations Championship matches at Scottish Gas Murrayfield, beginning against New Zealand on 7 November.

Date	Fixture	Kick-off, GMT	Venue
Saturday 7 November	Scotland vs New Zealand	2.10pm	Scottish Gas Murrayfield
Sunday 15 November	Scotland vs Australia	3.10pm	Scottish Gas Murrayfield
Saturday 21 November	Scotland vs Japan	2.10pm	Scottish Gas Murrayfield

Those fixtures are confirmed by Scottish Rugby. Scotland then play a further match during the Nations Championship finals weekend at Allianz Stadium, Twickenham, from 27 to 29 November, with the opponent determined by the standings.

Australia’s touring squad includes former Northampton back James Ramm, as covered in our James Ramm call-up report.

Josh McKay Scotland eligibility: your questions answered

Can Josh McKay play for Scotland?

He is due to qualify through five years’ residency in November 2026. Townsend has left open the possibility of a call-up once he becomes eligible.

Will Josh McKay make his Scotland debut against Japan?

No debut has been confirmed. He is expected to be eligible by the Japan match on 21 November, but selection remains Townsend’s decision.

Is Josh McKay Scottish-born?

No. McKay was born in Christchurch, New Zealand. His route to Scotland eligibility is residency following his move to Glasgow in 2021.