Winger May scored two tries in seven games as Gloucester lifted the Challenge Cup in 2015 and crossed the whitewash five times as they reached the final in 2017.

And it was his try that sealed Gloucester's win over Newcastle, after Val Rapava-Ruskin had gone over in the first half. Lloyd Evans added the extras to both tries and nudged five penalties to rack up a match haul of 19 points.

A second half recovery from Newcastle saw them notch tries through Ben Stevenson and Cameron Nordli-Kelemeti.

Meanwhile, London Irish recorded an impressive away win at 2020 Heineken Champions Cup winners Exeter Chiefs.

Irish scored twice in the opening 10 minutes through Agustin Creevy and Curtis Rona, before second half tries from Benhard Janse van Rensburg, Ben Loader and Oliver Hassell-Collins capped a memorable victory.

In the United Rugby Championship, Jack Blain, Stuart McInally, Boan Venter and Ben Vellacott all crossed as Edinburgh Rugby triumphed 27-10 at Zebre Parma, with Pierre Bruno dotting down for the Italian side’s consolation.

Dragons fell to a derby defeat at Cardiff Rugby, falling just short of completing a late turnaround as they were beaten 31-29.

Tries from Sam Davies, who put up 14 points over the course of the game, and Mesake Doge gave the visitors the lead, but three Cardiff scores put them in control heading into the final 20 minutes.

Rio Dyer then crossed to give Dragons hope, but Joe Maksymiw’s 79th minute score proved too little too late for the EPCR Challenge Cup side.

In the TOP 14, Biarritz Olympique were the only EPCR Challenge Cup team to pick up a victory, easing to a 37-9 win at home to CA Brive.

Francis Saili went over twice for Biarritz in addition to tries from Tomas Cubelli, Tevita Kuridrani and Henry Speight, while Enzo Herve kicked three penalties for the visitors.

USAP were beaten 39-13 by Union Bordeaux-Bègles with Melvyn Jaminet dotting down for their only try, while Dylan Cretin and Yanis Charcosset crossed for Lyon in a 23-18 defeat at Stade Français Paris.

Elsewhere, Section Paloise were handed a 42-20 loss by ASM Clermont Auvergne, with Clovis Le Bail getting on the scoresheet in addition to a penalty try.

England international Jonny May scored in the 78th minute as Gloucester Rugby overcame EPCR Challenge Cup rivals Newcastle Falcons 29-20 in the Gallagher Premiership on Saturday.