Ex-England flyer Jonny May to leave rugby for a career in the armed forces

? Kick-off: 8:10pm

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The 35-year-old bid farewell to his second stint with the Cherry and Whites in 2024, having previously played for them before spending three seasons with Leicester Tigers from 2017 to 2020.

May is now entering what is likely the final year of his rugby career. after he signed a two-year contract with Soyaux-Angouleme, a club in France's second-tier ProD2 last summer..

“I don’t think I’ve ever been more excited about signing a contract than this time,” May said in a club statement. “I’m 110 per cent committed to giving my best rugby to this team.

Following England’s impressive third-place finish in the Rugby World Cup, May announced his retirement from international duty.

May, who has already taken a step into podcasting, spoke about how he is exploring post-playing opportunities with a move in the fire service with the RAF a possibility.

“I am still hoping to play for the next couple of years or a year; I’m not quite ready to stop playing yet, but the RAF could help me come in during the off-season,” he said.

“It would help me get a bit of a foot up while I am still playing.”

The countdown is on. The 2026 Guinness Six Nations is set to roar into life with a blockbuster opener between France and Ireland on Thursday 5th February. The reigning giants collide in a fixture that could shape the entire tournament from the off.

Saturday 7th February sees a Super Saturday of sorts, as Italy host Scotland in Rome before England welcome fierce rivals Wales to Twickenham — now rebranded as the Allianz Stadium. Expect fireworks.

Here’s your complete, round-by-round breakdown of the 2026 Six Nations fixtures:

Thursday 5th February 2026
?? France v Ireland
? Venue TBC
? Kick-off: 8:10pm

Saturday 7th February 2026
?? Italy v Scotland
? Stadio Olimpico, Rome
? Kick-off: 2:10pm

?️ England v Wales
? Allianz Stadium, Twickenham
? Kick-off: 4:40pm

Saturday 14th February 2026
☘️ Ireland v Italy
? Aviva Stadium, Dublin
? Kick-off: 2:10pm

? Scotland v England
? Murrayfield, Edinburgh
? Kick-off: 4:40pm

Sunday 15th February 2026
? Wales v France
? Principality Stadium, Cardiff
? Kick-off: 3:10pm

Saturday 21st February 2026
?️ England v Ireland
? Allianz Stadium, Twickenham
? Kick-off: 2:10pm

? Wales v Scotland
? Principality Stadium, Cardiff
? Kick-off: 4:40pm

Sunday 22nd February 2026
?? France v Italy
? Decathlon Arena, Lille
? Kick-off: 3:10pm

Friday 6th March 2026
☘️ Ireland v Wales
? Aviva Stadium, Dublin
? Kick-off: 8:10pm

Saturday 7th March 2026
? Scotland v France
? Murrayfield, Edinburgh
? Kick-off: 2:10pm

?? Italy v England
? Stadio Olimpico, Rome
? Kick-off: 4:40pm

Saturday 14th March 2026
☘️ Ireland v Scotland
? Aviva Stadium, Dublin
? Kick-off: 2:10pm

? Wales v Italy
? Principality Stadium, Cardiff
? Kick-off: 4:40pm

?? France v England
? Venue TBC

“The biggest difference with South Africa is the diversity. Players we call on in different parts of the country, different backgrounds and who are playing overseas in different countries.

“We can draw from different sources, if I can call it that and try to get it down to one thing.

“It is a challenge, but also one