Jonny May confirms retirement with immediate effect

The former England winger announced the news on social media, posting a heartfelt message that reflected on his journey in the sport. “Aimed for the stars, landed on the moon, time to come back to Earth,” May wrote, thanking supporters in both English and French after a career that spanned clubs and countries.

The announcement was met with an outpouring of tributes from across the rugby community. England Rugby led the congratulations, describing May’s career as “incredible”, while former teammates and fellow professionals were quick to pay their respects.

Ex-England scrum-half Jamie George summed up the feelings of many with the comment, “Some ride mate,” while Mike Brown simply wrote, “Congrats Jonny!” Stephen Varney labelled him a “Legend”, and England Sevens star Cameron Woki added, “Big man”, highlighting the respect May commands throughout the game. Supporters also joined in, praising his achievements and thanking him for the memories he created on the field.

May earned more than 70 caps for England and established himself as one of the nation’s most dangerous attacking threats.

His pace, finishing ability and commitment helped England reach the 2019 Rugby World Cup final and made him a key figure in numerous Six Nations campaigns.

As tributes continue to flood in, May leaves the sport with an outstanding legacy. His retirement marks the end of an era for one of England rugby’s most exciting and beloved players.

From jaw-dropping tries to unforgettable moments (and yes, some questionable haircuts), these players defined a golden era of the game. If their names don’t instantly come to mind, we suggest a quick trip to YouTube to jog your memory. Trust us, it’s worth it.

Ready to test your knowledge? Let’s see if you’ve still got it. Good luck!