ANTHONY Watson was one of England’s shining lights during their recent RBS 6 Nations Grand Slam but injured Chiseldon winger Jonny May claims he is hunting down the Bath star’s spot in the starting XV.

Watson started all five games of the Grand Slam, scoring tries in the victories over Ireland, Wales and France as he began the Eddie Jones era with a bang.

Gloucester speedster May was a regular starter on the wing during England’s World Cup campaign last autumn but a season-ending knee ligament injury suffered in December meant he could only watch from the sidelines as Watson, Jack Nowell and full-back Mike Brown formed an impressive back-three unit.

The 26-year-old is confident of forcing his way back into Jones’ plans once he is fit but admits it was a case of mixed emotions seeing Watson and co. win a first Grand Slam for the Red Rose since 2003.

“The Six Nations was a tough one for me because I was watching and wanting England to win but frustrated not to be out there. I would have expected to be playing if I was fit,” said May, who was speaking at an Aviva Tackling Numbers event in Gloucester.

“But they are all mates of mine, so I’m pleased for them to bounce back after what was a tough World Cup.

“I can’t speak highly enough of Jack Nowell and Anthony Watson. They are really good lads, we all get on really well and I have a lot of respect for both of them.

“They did incredibly well in the Six Nations and that back three, with Mike Brown as well, has always been a big positive for England ever since I’ve been involved.

“That trio did really well, I’m pleased for them and they’ve raised the standard so it is up for me to chase that now.

“The nature of international rugby is that there are a lot of good players in every position but I believe I can get back in that team.”

Aviva Tackling Numbers is an innovative programme for 7-9 year olds which makes learning about numbers and financial education fun and engaging.

The programme is delivered by Aviva Premiership Rugby clubs and May joined Gloucester teammates Billy Burns and James Hudson at Abbeymead Primary School to take part in the session with the kids.

May is targeting a return to fitness for the pre-season and says that seeing the Grand Slam victory – as well as the freedom that Jones gave Watson and his international teammates – has him champing at the bit to pull on an England jersey again.

“They have done really, really well and it just makes me want to get fit even more and get back in that team,” added May.

“I think Eddie has come in and has given the boys something a little bit more. It’s not even necessarily Eddie coming in but I think having a new coach took the pressure and expectation off a little bit.

“It has allowed the boys to express themselves a little bit more and Eddie has come in and been really positive, which on reflection probably needed to happen.”

Jonny May was speaking at an Aviva Tackling Numbers session. In partnership with Premiership Rugby, #AvivaTacklingNumbers helps 7-9 year olds put foundations in place for better financial skills later in life through the power of rugby. To find out more and take a maths test, visit aviva.co.uk/tacklingnumbers.