Jonny May anticipates the conclusion of his international career with England’s World Cup campaign but sees the chance to clinch the trophy in France as an opportunity for “bonus time.”
Initially excluded from England’s squad, the 33-year-old winger found his place after Anthony Watson’s injury, returning to the starting lineup for the final pool stage match against Samoa on Saturday.
With 75 caps and 36 tries in his 11-year international career, May is England’s second-highest try-scorer. Despite missing out on the British & Irish Lions tour in 2021, he views subsequent international opportunities as unexpected and is determined to make the most of the chance for a World Cup victory.
As England advances to the quarter-finals in France, likely facing Fiji, May aims to seize the opportunity and end his international career on a high note with a World Cup winner’s medal.
“This will definitely be my last World Cup, most likely my last time playing for England,” said May. “Never say never but probably, most likely, this will be the last campaign I’ll have with England. And I’m incredibly grateful to be here. So just rip in and give everything I can for this last period of time.
“The pros to being in the situation I am now is I know the player I am, I don’t feel I’ve got as much to prove any more. But there is also that pressure that it’s my last time and God, I want to do as well as I possibly can. And you wouldn’t want to go out on a note you’re unhappy with.
“A big goal of mine was the 2021 Lions tour. That didn’t work out for me, that was a bit tough. I’m at peace with that now. Beyond that Lions tour, internationally I saw as bonus time. I’m accepting of that, and that’s exactly how it should be. [It’s] bonus time but a serious time as well, because we’ve got an opportunity to win a World Cup, and I want to do my teammates, my family and my country proud.”
May has secured his position as the first-choice player in France and swiftly returned to the side, even with Henry Arundell’s notable performance of five tries against Chile in the last match. Recognizing Borthwick’s appreciation for distinct strengths, particularly in kick-chasing, May remains confident in his ability to compete at the highest level.
“I still feel I’m pushing on my best and I can contribute, and the full package that I can bring is as good as anyone, on my day,” he added. “So that’s what motivates me to still be here. It gives me a role, it gives me clarity, something to go after no matter what’s going on in a game. I know I’m going to be able to chase kicks, I know I’m going to be able to draw width from my forwards, or read a 10s body language. That’s the way I know I can be involved in a game.”