Jonny May latest to step down from England duty after Rugby World Cup 2023 - ‘Words can’t describe the journey’

ByTNT Sports

Published 31/10/2023 at 14:08 GMT

England have been hit hard with retirements since the end of the 2023 Rugby World Cup in Paris, France. A number of big names have decided that now is the time to step away from international duty and either retire completely or just focus on club rugby instead. Jonny May is the latest who has followed the latter path as he will carry on playing for his club Gloucester.

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Gloucester wing Jonny May has announced his retirement from England duty following the Rugby World Cup 2023.

May, 33, made his England debut a decade ago in 2013 and went on to win 78 caps, finishing as his country’s second-highest points scorer, logging 36 tries.

However, he has now decided to call time on his international career, joining a host of big names in the England ranks to step aside such as most capped men's player Ben Youngs.

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May had previously hinted that this World Cup could well spell the end of his time with England, saying before the tournament that it was most likely his last ride.

He did say that he wouldn’t rule anything out, but after England finished third in Paris with a win over Argentina, he confirmed in a statement that it was indeed the end.

"Words can’t describe the journey that I’ve been on, so I won’t try to put it into words," said May.

"At this point in time, all I want to say from the bottom of my heart is a huge thank you to everybody who has been a part of this journey with me.

"It’s an honour and a dream to represent my country, and although I won’t be out there on the pitch anymore physically, I will always feel connected to this team in spirit. Thank you."

May, an academy graduate for Gloucester, will continue playing club rugby after returning to the Cherry and Whites in 2020 having left in 2017 for a spell with the Leicester Tigers.

Gloucester currently sit fifth in the table with two wins and one defeat from their opening three games of the new Gallagher Premiership Rugby season.

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