CHISELDON'S Jonny May has been named in the England squad for the Rugby World Cup in Japan, which gets under way next month.

The winger, who has won 45 caps, was confirmed in the 31-man squad by head coach Eddie Jones when it was announced on Monday.

Former Royal Wootton Bassett youth player May will be making his second appearance at a World Cup, having also been included for the 2015 tournament in England.

The 29-year-old's selection comes as no surprise following a standout 18 months at international level.

May was the top try scorer during the 2019 Six Nations with six and crossed the whitewash on all three Tests of England's tour of South Africa last summer.

May, who plays his club rugby for Leicester Tigers in the Premiership, has 24 tries for England in total.

England head coach Jones said: “Today is another step in the progress towards the Rugby World Cup.

"We have taken the decision to go early because of what we learned from previous campaigns.

"We want the squad to know early and now we can get on and be the best prepared England side there has ever been, ready to win the World Cup.

"A lot of good players have missed out. We feel for them.

"But as we know, the World Cup is an incredible tournament where opportunities can present themselves and all those players who have missed out have been told they have to be ready.”

England begin their World Cup campaign against Tonga on September 22, with further pool games against USA, Argentina and France.