May to rejoin Gloucester

[NorthWestRugby]

England wing Jonny May will rejoin Gloucester from fellow Premiership club Leicester Tigers at the end of the 2019-20 season.

The 30-year-old scored 30 tries in 44 appearances for Tigers after moving to Welford Road in the summer of 2017.

May, who has earned 56 England caps since his debut in 2013, said he was "proud" of his time with Leicester.

"For numerous reasons it hasn't worked out for me to stay on at Leicester Tigers, which is a shame," he said.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-union/52254725

[Gloskarlos]

He’ll actually join 31st July I think and if the current season hasn’t yet ended he could play for Glos during this campaign?

I’m quite happy about this, even given that he left under a bit of a contract cloud and wing is not exactly where we need bolstering. He is however world class, and given the new 50:20 law coming into play, May, LRZ and Thorley ought to scare a few ‘sweepers’ out there. That is of course, if we can manage to win possession in the first place.

[Stom]

He’ll actually join 31st July I think and if the current season hasn’t yet ended he could play for Glos during this campaign?

I’m quite happy about this, even given that he left under a bit of a contract cloud and wing is not exactly where we need bolstering. He is however world class, and given the new 50:20 law coming into play, May, LRZ and Thorley ought to scare a few ‘sweepers’ out there. That is of course, if we can manage to win possession in the first place.

Could Thorley end up at 13 or 15? Could be interesting to field all 3 of them at once

[Mellsblue]

He’ll actually join 31st July I think and if the current season hasn’t yet ended he could play for Glos during this campaign?

I’m quite happy about this, even given that he left under a bit of a contract cloud and wing is not exactly where we need bolstering. He is however world class, and given the new 50:20 law coming into play, May, LRZ and Thorley ought to scare a few ‘sweepers’ out there. That is of course, if we can manage to win possession in the first place.

How long does LRZ have on his contract before he heads back to Wales?

[Gloskarlos]

He’ll actually join 31st July I think and if the current season hasn’t yet ended he could play for Glos during this campaign?

I’m quite happy about this, even given that he left under a bit of a contract cloud and wing is not exactly where we need bolstering. He is however world class, and given the new 50:20 law coming into play, May, LRZ and Thorley ought to scare a few ‘sweepers’ out there. That is of course, if we can manage to win possession in the first place.

Could Thorley end up at 13 or 15? Could be interesting to field all 3 of them at once

He could, yes. Believe his age grade stuff was equally at 13, also the possibility of JM playing 15 I think.

[Gloskarlos]

He’ll actually join 31st July I think and if the current season hasn’t yet ended he could play for Glos during this campaign?

I’m quite happy about this, even given that he left under a bit of a contract cloud and wing is not exactly where we need bolstering. He is however world class, and given the new 50:20 law coming into play, May, LRZ and Thorley ought to scare a few ‘sweepers’ out there. That is of course, if we can manage to win possession in the first place.

How long does LRZ have on his contract before he heads back to Wales?

Think his contract length was undisclosed, he only signed a couple of months ago, would hope 2 years minimum but that’s just my view. Pivac hasn’t announced his rules on players representing their country based outside of wales yet has he? It may not turn into an issue at all.

[Mellsblue]

He’ll actually join 31st July I think and if the current season hasn’t yet ended he could play for Glos during this campaign?

I’m quite happy about this, even given that he left under a bit of a contract cloud and wing is not exactly where we need bolstering. He is however world class, and given the new 50:20 law coming into play, May, LRZ and Thorley ought to scare a few ‘sweepers’ out there. That is of course, if we can manage to win possession in the first place.

How long does LRZ have on his contract before he heads back to Wales?

Think his contract length was undisclosed, he only signed a couple of months ago, would hope 2 years minimum but that’s just my view. Pivac hasn’t announced his rules on players representing their country based outside of wales yet has he? It may not turn into an issue at all.

Ah, yeah. Forgot it’s was Gatland’s Law.....

[Scrumhead]

He’ll actually join 31st July I think and if the current season hasn’t yet ended he could play for Glos during this campaign?

I’m quite happy about this, even given that he left under a bit of a contract cloud and wing is not exactly where we need bolstering. He is however world class, and given the new 50:20 law coming into play, May, LRZ and Thorley ought to scare a few ‘sweepers’ out there. That is of course, if we can manage to win possession in the first place.

Indeed. Even without May returning, you already had a pretty tasty set of backs. The problems have been more around the set piece and in particular the lineout which is disappointing considering you have a world class lock in Mostert and some very capable jumpers.

A decidely sub optimal lineout has really hurt you in recent times, so I’ll be interested to see how Ackermann uses Marais and Singleton. Marais is very good around the park but his throwing is shonky to be polite. At Worcester, I would have said Singleton’s darts were reasonable-good, but they were surprisingly crap at Sarries. Hanson’s not as good a rugby player as either of them but at least you won your own lineouts!

[Tigersman]

As things stand Pivac wales has like 50 times more aggressive in trying to get wales qualified players into welsh regions than Gatland was. So wouldn't hold out too much hope him changing the rules unfortunately. (would love for it to be the case as have Tommy reffell down as future Tigers captain).

[Gloskarlos]

He’ll actually join 31st July I think and if the current season hasn’t yet ended he could play for Glos during this campaign?

I’m quite happy about this, even given that he left under a bit of a contract cloud and wing is not exactly where we need bolstering. He is however world class, and given the new 50:20 law coming into play, May, LRZ and Thorley ought to scare a few ‘sweepers’ out there. That is of course, if we can manage to win possession in the first place.

Indeed. Even without May returning, you already had a pretty tasty set of backs. The problems have been more around the set piece and in particular the lineout which is disappointing considering you have a world class lock in Mostert and some very capable jumpers.

A decidely sub optimal lineout has really hurt you in recent times, so I’ll be interested to see how Ackermann uses Marais and Singleton. Marais is very good around the park but his throwing is shonky to be polite. At Worcester, I would have said Singleton’s darts were reasonable-good, but they were surprisingly crap at Sarries. Hanson’s not as good a rugby player as either of them but at least you won your own lineouts!

Agreed, although I rate Hanson, and last season our lineout was tip top with the same personnel bar hooker.... Singleton coming Is good news if you ignore the fact it’s a one year help Sarries out situation.

[Gloskarlos]

As things stand Pivac wales has like 50 times more aggressive in trying to get wales qualified players into welsh regions than Gatland was. So wouldn't hold out too much hope him changing the rules unfortunately. (would love for it to be the case as have Tommy reffell down as future Tigers captain).

Les see how it pans out, the face of rugby will be drastically changed once we are through this period, I wouldn’t be surprised to see a little more flexibility in many senior viewpoints. Either way, as it’s his first contract he stays at kingsholm for whatever contract period was agreed, still able to represent his country.

[Digby]

Interesting. The best fit for May looks to be Exeter given Exeter do lack a bit behind the scrum.

Is May essentially a swap for Banana, or are Glaws spending money in what might not be their priority areas?

[Gloskarlos]

Whether you believe the sentiment or not Jonny has stated there was only one club for him, David Humphries has spoken about Jonny’s pragmatism in the current climate (which I take to mean salary) and its been mooted for a few months in various places. So it’s not costing Gloucester excessively. I Kind of agree, there are one or two clubs that might seem a better fit, but think there is more to his decision than cash in this instance.

Bannahan has another year left, there’s talk of Charlie Sharples going to Japan, we are losing Owen Williams and a couple of other players on the thicker end of our salary cap. As stated elsewhere, I do feel a couple of gnarly props, a longer term hooker signing and keeping hold of Hinckley would have been where I personally would have invested.

[Digby]

I think that works for May providing he retain his England place, else he's rejoining a different club to the one he left and it doesn't scream they'll be top end competitive

[Tigersman]

I find the only one club for him talk a bit funny considering he used a pretty unknown loophole to get out of his contract with Gloucester so he could leave them, yes shows how much you love the club.

It's like Ford coming back to Tigers after signing for Bath our rivals saying "only one club for me" It's like nah that's not it's nice PR but in all reality the end of the next contract you could well leave and everyone knows it.

On Exeter I don't see them spending big on a winger given Hogg is a marquee player. Also don't they have Hodge lined up from Falcons?

I could see Thorely playing 13 at times next season.
Gloucester backline should be excellent again next season especially if England don't pick Heinz, he's been greatly missed.

[Scrumhead]

I’m not sure about that. You could argue that Simpson was among one of Gloucester’s best players in Heinz’s absence. If they’re both fit, Heinz’s game management would probably make him first pick, but Simpson’s form pre-injury means that’s not a given.

Bigger problems for Gloucester than 9 IMO.

[Digby]

I don't see Exeter spending big on a winger either, they tend to spend much more on the pack it would seem

[Gloskarlos]

I’m not sure about that. You could argue that Simpson was among one of Gloucester’s best players in Heinz’s absence. If they’re both fit, Heinz’s game management would probably make him first pick, but Simpson’s form pre-injury means that’s not a given.

Bigger problems for Gloucester than 9 IMO.

True dat.

A misfiring 10, no SID at 1, 2, or 3 and a good 13 to name a few.

[Scrumhead]

What’s SID?

I’ve heard Hohneck is leaving high would be a bit of a blow. He’s proved to be a decent, reliable Premiership loosehead who’ll be hard to replace.

VRR and Balmain are both good, but both injury prone. I rate JFR too, but he’s another who seems to spend an awful lot of time on the treatment table. Dreyer should be fit for next season which will definitely help at tighthead.

I’m not really convinced by the young props you have coming through though. Seville looks too small and Knight seems to be mostly anonymous when he plays.

[fivepointer]

Strength in depth?

Glos could really do with a top rate THP. Balmain has done well but he is no more than a competent Prem player. Agree about Seville, who is on the small side and lacks power, while Knight hasnt shown anything to get excited about.

[Gloskarlos]

Yes strength in depth. Agree with both of you. Balmain and Hohneck were brilliant last season, but due to injuries we asked an awful lot of them. Not quite the same this season, rumour that Dreyer might be off too. VRR is great when not injured, JFR only played a handful of times but been ok. The up and coming yesteryear U21’s I’m not sure will make it and have looked a little underpowered when given their chances. Not to say they can’t get there, but haven’t so far in my view. Hooker is an issue, last year we recruited Visagie on a loan to cover Hanson’s injury, he was great. As said earlier, Marais is good in the loose, but our lineout has been misfiring, Todd Gleave has played fairly well too, but also not completely reliable come lineout time and is also relatively small for scrummaging. Hanson back and Singleton ought to help this.

In other news Sharples tweeted yesterday that he has 2 years left in his contract and isn’t going anywhere. So that counters my earlier post somewhat!

[Tigersman]

May, LRZ, Thorley, Sharples, Banners, Seabrook, is quite a winger stable.

[Scrumhead]

Has Dreyer even played a game for Gloucester?

[Gloskarlos]

Catastrophic injury on first appearance I think.

[Scrumhead]

Ah yes. I seem to remember him making a 40m break in that game now. I’d erased it from my memory!