Leicester Tigers release statement to explain Jonny May's departure
Rugby NewsSaturday, 11 April 2020 at 15:19
Leicester Tigers head coach Geordan Murphy thanked Jonny May for his contribution when revealing the reasons for the wingers departure.
“Assembling the playing squad is a huge challenge with a balance of the players brought in from elsewhere and the talent you bring through as a club," said Murphy
"Unfortunately, the international game restricts the number of appearances players can make for their clubs in the modern game and, with the strain that inflating salaries under the salary cap has put on clubs, you need to find the right balance that best works for you across an entire season while still being able to build strength in depth across the squad.
“We have some outstanding players in our backline, but we lose a number of them during the international breaks, which provides its challenges in building continuity and development there.
“We are extremely confident in the playing group we are assembling for next season and believe we are adding even more worldclass talent to the existing worldclass talent we have in the squad, as well as exciting youngsters at Tigers who have opportunities now to step up and take their chances.
“We have made no secret of wanting to change and needing to improve, with a focus this year on bolstering the forward pack to provide the platform for an exciting backline at its best.”
LIST | Five senior Gloucester players set for exit in big overhaul
Gloucester are set for a significant overhaul of their playing squad that will end in at least five senior players leaving ahead of the 2020/21 Premiership season…
1. Owen Williams
The 28-year-old would have been in the frame to replace Hadleigh Parkes at international level if he'd decided to join a Welsh region, but according to the Mail Online he's agreed on a move to Japan. Williams can play both fly-half and centre and his ball-playing ability will make him a huge loss for the Cherry & Whites.
2. Charlie Sharples
Making his Gloucester debut in 2007, Sharples is the clubs longest-serving player, scoring 91 tries in 266 outings. However, with game-time becoming limited, there have been suggestions the 30-year-old would face a pay-cut to stay. According to RUCK sources, the speedster does have offers from elsewhere, which could lead to him finishing his career in France.
3. Josh Hohneck
The prop has established himself as a fan favourite at Kingsholm, making over 100 appearances for the Cherry & whites since arriving in 2016. There have been reports in his native New Zealand that he could join Warren Gatland's Chiefs for the 2021 Super Rugby season with a stop off in Japan in-between.
4. Matt Banahan
The winger moved to Gloucester from local rivals Bath Rugby in the summer of 2018. Initially signing a reported two-year deal, the 33-year-old is currently set to be a free agent in the summer as discussions over a contract extension continue to falter. There will not be a shortage of interest if he does become available.
5. Calum Braley
He is to join Pro14 side Benetton at the end of the season. The 26-year-old joined Gloucester from Bristol in 2014 and made his 100th appearance for the Premiership club in December. England-born Braley qualifies for Italy through his grandfather and has won five caps since his debut in August.
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