ENGLAND’S hattrick hero has been branded a role model by pupils and teachers at his former school.

Leicester Tigers winger Jonny May grew up near Swindon, played for Royal Wootton Bassett Rugby Club and was a member of Ridgeway School’s most successful athletics squad ever.

Last weekend, the Chiseldon man scored three tries in England’s clash against France. He should be part of the side that takes to the field against Wales next Saturday.

Yesterday, students and teachers at Ridgeway School hailed May a role model.

Year 11 pupil James Blake, 16, who plays as a prop for Bassett and the Bath Rugby academy side, said of Jonny’s Twickenham tries: “It was quite impressive, to be honest. If anyone scores a try it’s nice to see – but especially if it’s someone who’s close to the school and my club.

“It’s amazing to be walking in his footsteps.”

Former Ridgeway head of PE, Tim Whiting, praised the way ex-pupil Jonny had bounced back from injury. When the 28-year-old was out of the game for 10 months with a knee injury in 2016 he devoured a Harry Potter colouring book.

Tim said: “Jonny is quirky. You won’t find too many sportsmen who have done pole vaulting. He didn’t just do the pole vault at the National Championships twice. In Year 10, his group were champions with a record total. That year group was the best there has ever been in England in 26 years.

“But what we’re most proud of is the way he has developed into a role model. As a PE teacher I found it harder and harder to find a sports personality who wouldn’t let you down. Jonny never has.”

Current head of PE Mark McMeeking added: “Inspiring learners for the future is our school motto. If we’ve got a sportsman who has been taught here the students can see that it’s real and it’s a possibility for them.”

Tim Whiting revealed Jonny had been a talented acrobat: “In my gymnastics displays we had a crossbar with five bodies on top with a bowl full of raffle tickets. Jonny’s the one I asked to do a somersault and in mid-air, upside down, pluck out a raffle ticket and give it to me.

Asked what youngsters could learn from Jonny’s career, he said: “Don’t overplay one sport. But, if you enjoy different sports, play them and realise skills are transferred from one sport to another.

“When Jonny scores some fantastic try in the air or twisting his body it’s because he’s always shown that ability to have spatial awareness and he’s been allowed to develop that.”