Gloucester Rugby's Jonny May is excited for the club's highly anticipated return to Champions Cup action this weekend.

The Cherry & Whites host Bordeaux at Kingsholm tomorrow (3:15pm KO).

May, a Challenge Cup winner in 2015, explains why playing in Europe is so special.

“It’s a breath of fresh air almost - it shouldn’t feel too different but it sort of does. To play teams that you don’t play week in week out and that different challenge and change is a good thing; it gives you a little bit of energy and excitement. All that matters, really, is building on our game and trying to improve and getting results.”

“It will be awesome with it being the last game before Christmas, as well, so hopefully we can give the fans a win."

May says the squad are keen to show why they belong at Europe's top table.

“This club needs to be in the top tier of Europe but we need to prove we can deliver at that level. These games can be a step up but we’ve got to show we can do that and I’m sure we will.”

The wing returned from England duty last weekend as the Cherry & Whites claimed a bonus point win over Northampton Saints in the Gallagher Premiership.

“It was exciting to be back with the lads and have everybody together as a group. Off the back of a slightly difficult time with England and the lads going through a rough patch, we got together. It was an important game to show that we can perform the way we know we can, and get the win as well - so we were very pleased.

“It was nice to get that win in the Prem. We're now turning our attention to Europe this week but nothing really changes. We just want to back that up and keep getting better at what we do.”

Tickets for the game are still available here.

Jonny May: We want to show why we belong in top tier of Europe

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