Veterans Tom May and Gordon Ross have extended their London Welsh careers for the upcoming Aviva Premiership season, writes ED MEZZETTI.

Centre May, 35, and fly half Ross, 36, shone as Welsh secured promotion back to the top flight and were among 23 retained players announced yesterday.

The club also confirmed 25 players were departing, including experienced centres Sonny Parker and Hudson Tonga’uiha.

With 15 new signings announced last week, that leaves Welsh’s squad at 38.

“I’d like to thank all of the boys who are leaving the club this summer and wish them all the very best for the future,” said head coach Justin Burnell.

“I would reiterate that we are still actively looking to further strengthen the squad for the huge challenge that the Aviva Premiership poses.”

Welsh are also advertising for a team manager.

Last time in the top flight, it was the errors and cover-up of the previous incumbent Mike Scott that led to them being docked five points for fielding an ineligible player.

PLAYERS LEAVING

Joe Ajuwa, Rob Andrew, Tom Bristow (returning to Leicester Tigers), Chris Cook (returning to Bath), Kevin Davis, Mike Denbee, Peter Edwards, Ollie Frost, Cai Griffiths, Alec Hepburn, Tyson Keats, Toby L’Estrange, Mitch Lees, Nathan Morris (returning to Wasps), Billy Moss, Ian Nimmo, Liam O’Neill, Sonny Parker, Rory Pitman, John Quill, Paddy Ryan, Will Spencer (returning to Bath), James Tideswell, Hudson Tonga’uiha, Josh Watkins.

PLAYERS RETAINED

Alan Awcock, Daniel Browne, Peter Browne, Matt Corker, Rhys Crane, Alex Davies, Matthew Dobson, Seb Jewell, Carl Kirwan, James Lewis, Rob Lewis, Tom May, Ben Pienaar, Will Robinson, Gordon Ross, Nick Scott, Ollie Stedman, Seb Stegmann, Richard Thorpe, James Tincknell, Nathan Trevett, Nathan Vella, Ben West.