RUGBY: Jonny May scores brace of tries for England (From Wilts and Gloucestershire Standard)

Gloucester flier makes most of late call-up to South Africa

5:20pm Wednesday 20th June 2012 in Sport

GLOUCESTER flier Jonny May is used to doing things at pace but even he confessed to being taken aback by the speed of his addition to the England squad in South Africa over the weekend.

Swindon-born May was preparing to report back for pre-season training with Gloucester when the call came from South Africa to report for duty following injuries to Mike Brown and George Lowe.

He watched the second test with South Africa, which England lost 36-27 after a great second half comeback, from the stands at Ellis Park.

But he got his chance for the midweek side in the game against South Africa Northern Barbarians. May came off the replacements’ bench inside the opening half-hour after Ugo Monye was knocked out in a nasty collision.

May showed no signs of rustiness and displayed his great finishing skills by scoring a brace of tries as he helped England to a comprehensive victory by 57-31.

It was a good day all round for Gloucester Rugby because their summer signing Ben Morgan, who will join up with May at Kingsholm on his return to England, also got on the scoresheet with a try.

On arrival in South Africa, May the Gloucester Rugby website: “It’s come as a bit of a shock. When I didn’t make the touring squad, I was told that I’d be on standby but you don’t actually expect to get the call.

“It’s tough on Mike Brown and George Lowe. Getting injured is tough at any time and I know they’ll be devastated at being forced out of the tour. They’re good guys and great players and they’ll bounce back.

“I’d been recharging my batteries, getting away from rugby a little bit and just preparing myself to report back for pre-season training with Gloucester. Then I got the telephone call and now I’m in South Africa.

“Adam (Brett, the Gloucester Rugby physio) is out here, so there’s one familiar face and I know a few of the lads from the Saxons.”

2011-12 was very much a breakthrough season for the 22-year-old who made 22 starts. His progress was reflected by a host of award wins including LV= Breakthrough Player, Aviva Premiership Player of the Month and Aviva Premiership Try of the Season.