2 Piers Francis
Piers Francis may not be a household name, but his career has been a fascinating one, stretching across hemispheres and capped by eight England appearances between 2017 and 2019. The versatile fly-half and centre came through Saracens’ academy before heading to New Zealand to develop his game, an unusual path that helped him stand out on his return to English rugby. After a stint with Auckland and Super Rugby side the Blues, he signed for Northampton Saints in 2017, making over 60 appearances in five years.
Francis moved to Bath in 2022, where he managed 20 outings and scored 109 points, though opportunities became limited with most of his action coming in the Premiership Rugby Cup. In 2023, aged 33, he departed to join Japanese side Kurita Water Gush Akishima, adding another chapter abroad.
3 Jonny May
Probably the most well-known name on this list, Jonny May, England’s second-highest try scorer with 36 in 78 caps, has entered the twilight of his career while looking ahead to life beyond rugby. After a second stint with Gloucester and three years at Leicester, the 35-year-old joined French ProD2 side Soyaux-Angouleme last summer on a two-year deal.
May has spoken passionately about immersing himself in the club and community, while also preparing for the future, with ambitions that include a role in the RAF fire service. Following his retirement from international rugby after the 2023 World Cup, May remains committed to squeezing the most out of his final seasons. It is easy for it to go under the radar that he is still playing due to him being in the second tier of France.
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