WHEN Chiseldon’s Jonny May ran out at Twickenham with the England team for last Saturday’s 26-17 victory over Australia, he will have noticed a familiar face welcoming him on to the pitch.
May’s coach from his days at the Ridgeway School in Swindon, Tim Whiting, formed part of the guard of honour organised by sponsors QBE and made up of coaches the England players identified as someone who has been an integral part of helping them get to where they are.
Whiting coached May at the Ridgeway School, Swindon from the ages of 11-16, where the Gloucester wing was a fly-half and also a star pole vaulter and 200m runner.
Whiting said: “At school Jonny was fast, agile, strong for his weight with fantastic hand-eye coordination and had excellent spatial awareness.
“Off the field, he took part in a broad spectrum of sports and really appreciated the skill, artistry and performance of others in whatever form it took.
“It was just phenomenal to see Jonny make his way into the England team, he was kind enough to invite me to his first senior appearance at Twickenham for England which was a most enjoyable experience.”
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