CONFIRMED: Leicester Tigers announce signing of England star May

Leicester Tigers have confirmed the signing of England international Jonny May from Gloucester Rugby for the start of the 2017/18 season.

His move to Tigers will see second-rower Ed Slater move in the opposite direction to join the Kingsholm club.

England international winger May has established himself as a key member of a successful England squad, and was named by head coach Eddie Jones in his training group for a pre-season camp last weekend.

A natural finisher, May has scored nine tries in 27 games for his country. In club colours, May has scored 62 tries in 138 games, including 41 in 91 Premiership Rugby appearances and five in 13 games in the Champions Cup.

May played in both Tests of England’s victorious tour to Argentina this summer, scoring in the opening win in San Juan. He also played his part in England’s 2017 Six Nations triumph with appearances in the wins against France, Wales and Italy, and scored a memorable try against the All Blacks, his first for his country, at Twickenham in 2014.

The 27-year-old’s signing is a huge statement of intent by the Tigers and backing for head coach Matt O’Connor. May will add to a talented and exciting group of backs at Welford Road that already includes England internationals George Ford, Ben Youngs and Manu Tuilagi, Australia centre Matt Toomua, Tonga international Telusa Veainu and last season’s Players’ Player of the Year Adam Thompstone.

Tigers head coach Matt O’Connor said: “We are absolutely delighted to add to the quality of our backs with the signing of Jonny May.

“Jonny is a proven international and has played a lot of rugby at Premiership and Test level and will add a lot of experience to the squad.

“He is an out-and-out finisher with an outstanding try-scoring record and I think he is a fantastic addition to the group.”