TOM May says leading London Welsh back into the Premiership would be among the highlights of his career.

The former England international has played in the top flight with Newcastle and Northampton, as well as for Toulon in France.

But Welsh’s captain, who alongside flanker Carl Kirwan was named in the Championship team of the season, has had one of his biggest roles yet at the Oxford-based club.

“I think to have tried to have so much of an influence on a team, if we can pull this off then it will rank up there,” said May.

“I have really bought into what the club is about. I love the lads I work with.

“That was what I set out to do when I came here – to try and help the team get back to the Premiership.”

May, who starts at outside centre tonight, added: “The spirit that is within this club is something quite special.

“I haven’t necessarily always had that at the clubs I have been involved with.

“I think what excites me most about this group is that they never say die.”

Bristol are on a formidable run, having not lost a game in the league since December.

But May said: “I am 100 percent convinced that we can do this. I wouldn’t just be stood here making it up.

“They are favourites and that’s fine. I am happy with that.

“It puts more pressure on them than us.”

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