Rob Cook’s backing Jonny May to break into Eddie Jones’ elite

Jonny May is set to roar back fit, firing and ready to reclaim his England wing spot, according to former Gloucester teammate Rob Cook.
May, one of the few to impress during England’s failed World Cup campaign, damaged knee ligaments in January which meant he missed being part of the Eddie Jones revolution that has brought Six Nations and summer tour success.
In-form trio Anthony Watson, Jack Nowell and Marland Yarde have taken their chances, but Cook reckons May, 26, is now firmly on the comeback trail.
He told The Rugby Paper: “I’ve been in with Jonny this off season having treatment and the dedication he’s showing towards his rehab is phenomenal. He’s seeing England’s performances in Australia and feels he’s missing out, but he’s desperate to get back and he’s working so hard to achieve that aim.
“It will be a hell of a fight for him to get back in, but he’s got the X-factor that maybe others haven’t and if he stays fit I’ve no doubt he’ll get another shot.
“He’s hoping to be back for the start of the season and if he can steer clear of injury, he will definitely put pressure on Nowell, Yarde and Watson.”
Cook, meanwhile, admits he is frustrated to be leaving Gloucester after failing to be offered a new contract despite repeated assurances.
The 31-year-old former Cornish Pirates full-back, below, feels he could still do a job in the Premiership but has instead opted to move away from full-time rugby after accepting a role as assistant director of sport at King Edward VI in Stratford.
Cook explained: “I appreciate everything I’ve had at Gloucester since joining from the Pirates in 2012, but last season was very frustrating on and off the field.
“The coaches kept saying they were going to offer me a new contract but nothing ever came of it and if you speak to my missus, I was getting home really frustrated.
“I still feel I could play in the Premiership and I had a couple of clubs interested, but I didn’t want to leave the area. I’ve got a little boy and my missus has worked hard to get where she is as a nurse, so I’ve had to look at what I’m doing next.”
Cook does not intend hanging up his boots, though, and is currently in talks about becoming a player-coach at National Three level.
He added: “I still aim to play, although it will not be at a high level.
“Nothing’s confirmed yet, but player-coaching is something I’ll enjoy and I’ve been talking to a couple of clubs locally with a view to helping them out next season.”
Gloucester’s long-serving loosehead prop Nick Wood has also left the club after his contract expired.
The 33-year-old had been with the Cherry and Whites since joining their academy in 2001 and has spent his entire playing career at Kingsholm.
NEALE HARVEY