Motivation for Josh McKay in Saturday’s United Rugby Championship (URC) final won’t be difficult to find.

Seeking the first club title of his career, Glasgow Warriors’ Player of the Season is also keen to make up for the disappointment of missing out on last season’s Challenge Cup final loss to Toulon after undergoing foot surgery.

Then there is the other more poignant and painful source of inspiration. News that McKay’s former team-mate and close friend Connor Garden-Bachop had passed away suddenly earlier this week due to a “medical event” naturally hit hard.

The Warriors fullback posted a heartfelt tribute on his Instagram page and then revealed in more detail just how close the pair had been growing up in their native New Zealand.

When McKay takes to the field at Loftus for Saturday’s final against the Bulls, Garden-Bachop will be in his thoughts.

“Connor and I went to Lincoln University together, we played for Canterbury together and played for the Highlanders together,” he revealed.

“It’s just so deeply saddening. He was all-round one of the greatest guys I’ve ever met. He would light up every room so he’s a huge loss. It’s pretty hard to put it into words at the moment. It gives me extra motivation, definitely.”

A sense of perspective, then, will guide McKay on Saturday as he looks to realise the childhood dreams lived by him, Garden-Bachop and others who started out playing rugby for the sheer fun of it.

With South African rugby familiar to most New Zealanders due to Super Rugby, McKay admits the notion of playing the Bulls at Loftus was something he always hoped for, even if in his imagination he was wearing a Crusaders jersey rather than a Warriors one.

“Just go out there and have fun,” replies the 26-year-old when asked what his key message to his team-mates would be ahead of the  final.

“That’s at the heart of why we all play rugby, that’s why we all played it from a young age. We didn’t play at five or six years old running around in the frost because we hated it, so I think that’s at the core root of everything.

“OK, we’re professional rugby players but it all began on a small field where we were probably running around in bare feet because it’s where we wanted to be.

“I’m just really looking forward to the challenge ahead. The Bulls at Loftus, as a young kid supporting the Crusaders that’s where you wanted to be.

Josh McKay in action for CanterburyJosh McKay in action for Canterbury (Image: Getty Images)

"Yes, I’m not wearing a Crusaders jersey but it’s awesome wearing the Warriors jersey playing in an awesome stadium against awesome opposition.

“The Bulls are a really good team and this is a really good challenge for us. Growing up in New Zealand as a young kid, watching all the big games in Super Rugby, the Bulls have always been a great team. You grow up getting up at three in the morning to watch the Crusaders play the Bulls and the like.

“To be a part of this is pretty special. To still be able to play the South African teams, and to be able to come over here for a final is awesome.”

McKay’s importance to Warriors can’t underplayed. After two injury-interrupted seasons, he has been a virtual ever-present this campaign, that consistency much needed with Ollie Smith out with a long-term injury.

Comfortable under the high ball, a good kicker, tough tackler and agile runner, he will be key to any Warriors’ success in Saturday’s final.

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“To be injury-free and fit for selection every week is where we want to be physically as rugby players,” he adds. “In my first couple of years I still managed to play a decent amount of games but I had to have a couple of surgeries.

“Last year’s was a season-ender to my foot and the season before was to my ankle. That obviously makes it difficult to be available every week so this year it’s good to be injury-free.

“My body has been in a good spot all season. It’s helped me to play a lot of rugby and as rugby players that’s what we want. It’s been awesome.

“When you’re playing consistently it helps your confidence, you can grow as a player on the field and you can build combinations. It’s been an awesome season with the Warriors and I’m absolutely loving life in Scotland with Glasgow.

“It’s just part of the job description to truck the ball back up the field. I just want to get the ball and get it as many metres up the field as I can to make it easier for our boys in the forward pack, because they’re doing a heap of work for us.”

Josh McKay is one of Glasgow's most important playersJosh McKay is one of Glasgow's most important players (Image: SNS)

An injury may keep Willie le Roux out of the final but McKay reveals himself to be a big fan of the World Cup-winning Springbok fullback.

“He’s absolutely someone I’ve looked up to and as a young fella coming through he would always be the guy pulling the strings,” he adds.

“He’s been a big influence on South African rugby for a long time. I played against him last time and hopefully he’s playing again this weekend.”