Jonny May to miss second Test against Australia leaving Eddie Jones with big wing decision

Wing Jonny May is poised to miss out on selection for England’s crucial second Test against Australia despite returning to training after testing positive for Covid-19. 

May came out of isolation on Friday, the day before the 30-28 defeat to Australia and his experience and pace would have made him a strong contender to come into the side for the second Test in Brisbane. 

However, it is understood he is still not 100 per cent physically and will undertake a “graded return to full training”, according to defence coach Anthony Seibold. 

May’s absence means England head coach Eddie Jones will have to decide whether to persevere with his wing pairing of Jack Nowell and Joe Cokanasiga or turn to speedsters Tommy Freeman or Henry Arundell, who came off the bench to score a wonder try on his debut in the first Test. 

Seibold said May has been used as a resource for England’s young outside-back division. “One of the things we tried to do was include him while he was in isolation, so sending the team meetings, the backs united meetings,” Seibold said. “Keeping him involved and giving his feedback to the players from afar as well. 

“We've used him as a really experienced Test player. We have a really young group in the backs so he's been a bit of a resource for those guys. He's been back on his feet today running, but he didn't join in with the team.”

Flanker Tom Curry had already been ruled out of the second Test after sustaining his third concussion in six months on Saturday. No 8 Billy Vunipola and Nowell also picked up minor knocks which has limited their training volume but Seibold says both will be available for selection. 

Sam Underhill, Lewis Ludlam and Jack Willis are fighting to replace Curry, who will fly home on