Jonny May’s sensational 2019 Guinness Six Nations performance was recognised this week at the Rugby Players’ Association Awards as he was crowned England Men’s Player of the Year.
The England and Leicester Tigers winger truly is a homegrown hero, having started his rugby career here at Royal Wootton Bassett when he was just 5 years old and played in our youth teams till the age of 16.
We caught up with Jonny and asked him about his early days at the club...
What are your memories of first playing rugby at Wootton Bassett?
Joining as a 5 year old... From my earliest memories I can remember throwing the ball around in the garden with my dad and I couldn’t wait to be old enough to join Wootton Bassett and start training and playing!
Also Easter tours were the best. Had so much fun and time with friends and family whilst playing rugby everyday. Made some great memories.
If you couldn't be a pro rugby player, which job would you do?
Who knows? I managed to do my GCSE’s, a BTEC in sport and a Degree in Sports Business alongside playing, but really I put all my eggs in the rugby basket and I was very lucky that it ended up being my job.
Can you remember the names of any team mates from your Royal Wootton Bassett days?
Yes – Josh Lambdon, Elliot Read, William Hooper, Nicky Barnes – these guys I played all the way from Minis, Juniors to Colts level near enough.
You're known as the "world's deadliest winger", but which positions did you play as a Junior?
I played all over the back line as Mini and Junior, literally every position in the back line at some point. Probably played at scrum half and wing the least.
Who was your favourite Rugby Coach at Royal Wootton Bassett?
My Dad was one of the coaches - but I can’t really say him. I’d have to say Clive Lambdon. He was there from the beginning at Minis all the way through and he’s still a family friend now.
Any funny moments from your time at our club?
I vaguely remember having to eat a chilli as a punishment for something on an Easter tour court session.
The funny part (now - not then) is that I went to the toilet straight after and ended up getting the chilli on my willy! I had to go and hose myself down in a cold shower for like 15 minutes.
As a child, which rugby team did you support?
I liked all the South West teams. I went to watch Bristol, Bath and Gloucester. I also like Newcastle Falcons and had their playing jersey because Jonny Wilkinson played for them at that time.
What is your favourite off-season summer activity?
Sleeping in the sun, eating out, spending time with my friends and family, and playing golf.
What do you have for breakfast on game day?
A variety of: marmite on toast, bananas, pancakes, coco pops, and spaghetti – all really quick to digest and release energy. And lots of water!
Which Leicester Tigers player would you agree to car share with?
George Ford – he basically drives me in everyday.
What can you see yourself doing when you finally retire?
Having a long holiday... then maybe staying in rugby in some capacity, maybe training to be a physiotherapist, or maybe just be a stay at home Dad!
Out of all your teammates, who would make the most worrying opposition?
Manu Tuilagi – tackling him is like getting run over by a truck!
Have you got any match day superstitions or routines?
I normally eat similar types of foods, I have a stretching routine, and I pack my gumshield in my left boot to stop me forgetting it.
Which movie or TV SHOW have you watched the most?
I’m into my boxsets. At the moment I’m obsessed with Game Of Thrones.
Whatís your go-to karaoke song?
Ice Ice Baby.
Who is your sporting hero?
Jonny Wilkinson: He was a great all-round player (maybe the best ever), had the best work ethic and determination to always get better, and he was and is a great role model off the pitch.
Any advice for the younger players at our club?
Work hard. Never give up. Enjoy it!
Jonny's quickfire questions:
Brown or Red Sauce? Red Sauce
Sun or Snow? Sun
Sing or Dance? Sing
Night owl or Early bird? Early bird
Coffee or Tea? Coffee
Forwards or Backs? Backs
Snapchat or Instagram? Instagram
Facebook or Twitter? Neither
Horror or Comedy? Comedy
Dine in or Delivery? Dine in
