Jonny May\u2019s next move looks set to be one of the most surprising career switches in English rugby \u2014 with the former winger lining up a role in the RAF once he hangs up his boots this summer.<\/p>\n
\u2b50 Save us to your\u00a0Google Favourites\u00a0<\/a>for nonstop RUCK content!<\/p>\n Reports in France suggest the 36-year-old will retire at the end of the current Pro D2 campaign with Soyaux Angoul\u00eame, bringing his playing days to a close after just over a season in the French second tier. <\/p>\n But unlike some of his former England teammates, May isn\u2019t eyeing a return to the Prem \u2014 he\u2019s preparing for a completely different challenge.<\/p>\n The ex-Gloucester star has previously revealed his interest in joining the RAF Fire Service, even spending time exploring the role and how it could fit into life after rugby. <\/p>\n With retirement now looming, that long-discussed switch is understood to be his next step.<\/p>\n It marks a sharp contrast to players like Courtney Lawes, who is heading back to England following his stint in France, but May appears ready to swap the wing for a career built on discipline, teamwork and high-pressure situations of a different kind.<\/p>\n May only joined Soyaux Angoul\u00eame in 2024, initially signing a two-year deal that later extended to three following a play-off push in 2025. However, he is now expected to step away from the game early and transition straight into life beyond rugby.<\/p>\n He leaves behind a decorated career, having finished as England\u2019s second-highest try scorer of all time with 36 tries, and earning a reputation as one of the most lethal finishers of his generation.<\/p>\n While fly-half Ben Botica is set to remain in France for another season, May\u2019s journey is heading in a very different direction \u2014 one that could soon see him serving in the RAF rather than scoring tries on the pitch.<\/p>\n EDITORS PICKS:<\/p>\n The Fastest Rugby Players Ever (Ranked 10\u20131)<\/p>\n This ranking combines verified 100-metre times, GPS-tracked top speeds and raw on-field acceleration to reveal the 15 quickest rugby players in history.<\/p>\n 10. Shane Williams \u2014\u00a0Acceleration Master<\/p>\n The Welsh wizard wasn\u2019t the outright fastest over 100m, but his first 10 metres were devastating. His quicksilver acceleration and side-step made him unplayable in tight spaces.<\/p>\n 9. Jonny May \u2014\u00a0England\u2019s Speed Demon<\/p>\n May has been clocked at elite GPS speeds in training and in matches. His raw pace and ability to hit maximum velocity quickly have made him one of England\u2019s most feared wingers.<\/p>\n 8. Jonah Lomu \u2014\u00a0The Force of Nature<\/p>\n At nearly 120kg, Lomu\u2019s ability to run close to sprinter\u2019s pace was terrifying. While others might beat him in a pure 100m, nobody combined power and speed like the All Black legend.<\/p>\n 7. Doug Howlett \u2014\u00a0Try-Scoring Rocket<\/p>\n New Zealand\u2019s all-time top try-scorer paired consistent pace with clinical finishing. Howlett wasn\u2019t just quick once \u2014 he was reliably rapid across his whole career.<\/p>\n 6. Jason Robinson \u2014\u00a0The Step and the Burst<\/p>\n Robinson\u2019s secret weapon was his acceleration. In five metres he could leave world-class defenders flat-footed. Add in his low centre of gravity and you had a nightmare to tackle.<\/p>\n CONTINUES ON PAGE TWO<\/a><\/p>\n Like this:<\/p>\n Like Loading…<\/p>\n