Tigers head coach Geordan Murphy thanked May for his contribution when speaking about the departure of the outside-back.

“We wish him all the best in his next chapter, and thank him for what he has given to the club during his three seasons in Leicester,” said Murphy.

“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. 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 world class talent to the existing world class 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.”