Kay has played every minute of every game for England so far this tournament and plays a vital role as leader of the line-out.

The Leicester second row played in the 2003 final, famously dropping the ball as he went over the try-line, but after a spell in the international wilderness, he has returned to his best form.

Together with Martin Corry, Kay helped people to safety after the car they were travelling in became stranded during the July floods in Gloucestershire.