Move to Leicester is purely 'rugby' decision - Jonny May

England international Jonny May insisted that his move to Leicester Tigers from Gloucester was purely a decision to enhance his international career.

The 27-year-old, who was a product of Gloucester Academy, has been associated with the Kingsholm unit since 2009 and was part of the recent swap deal with Leicester that saw former Tigers captain Ed Slater move the other way round. The move even prompted all the Aviva Premiership clubs to unanimously amend the league regulation affecting player transfer fees.

May's move to Welford Road was jokingly compared to Neymar's £200.6million switch from Barcelona to Paris St Germain that earned him the nickname 'Maymar' but the former England Under 20 stressed that the decision was not financially motivated.

"Of course it is a big deal," said May.

"I don’t know what people are thinking but I’m not the sort of guy to jump ship or chase this or that, it’s purely where I am in my life and it’s purely a rugby decision.

"There is a lot I’m leaving at Gloucester which is sad but it’s a sacrifice I’m willing to make to take my game on.”

In the last three years, he has featured in 26 Tests for England and recently head coach Eddie Jones stated that he was pleased with the progress shown by May.

May believes this is the right time for him to push to the next level as he is looking to build on his career.

"I’ve scored some good tries for England, I’ve done some good things with Gloucester but I know there’s more in me and I want to take my game to the next level," added May.

"I’m at the top of my game and I’m not going to have much longer – four more years realistically – and I want to challenge myself."