CHISELDON rugby ace Jonny May has moved to Leicester Tigers from Gloucester, it was confirmed today.

The former Ridgeway School student, who has scored nine tries in 27 matches for England, moves to Welford Road in time for the new season, with second-rower Ed Slater heading in the opposite direction to join the Kingsholm club.

May, who was named by head coach Eddie Jones in his training group for a pre-season camp last weekend, scored 62 tries in 138 games, including 41 in 91 Premiership appearances and five in 13 games in the Champions Cup for Gloucester.

May, who began his career with Royal Wootton Bassett, played in both Tests of England’s victorious tour to Argentina this summer, scoring in the opening win in San Juan and featured in England’s 2017 Six Nations triumph, with appearances in the wins against France, Wales and Italy.

Tigers head coach Matt O’Connor added: “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.”

Gloucester director of rugby David Humphreys: "Jonny approached the club and explained he wanted to leave Gloucester and immediately our attention turned to strengthening the squad and the type of person we needed to recruit.

"Jonny has been a big part of Gloucester over the past nine years and everybody at the club wishes him the best in his future career. He has been an outstanding player, and very popular with the Gloucester supporters.

"But once he decided he didn't want to play for the club again, we had to move on and strengthen the squad ahead of the new season."