 Kay was part of the England side that won the 2003 World Cup |
World Cup winner Ben Kay has confirmed he will leave reigning Premiership champions Leicester at the end of the season after 11 years with the Tigers. Kay, whose deal expires in the summer, joins fellow England player Lewis Moody in departing Welford Road, with the latter heading for Bath. Kay, 34, explained: "I will concentrate fully on making whatever contribution I can in what remains of the season. "I have a number of options. I will make a decision in the summer." Kay has been left out of the Tigers squad for their Premiership semi-final against Bath on Sunday. The England lock made his Leicester debut in September 1999 and has won five Premiership titles and two Heineken Cups with the Tigers. "Now, I have reached a point in my life where I have to consider what happens next," added Kay, who featured in 281 first-team games for Leicester.  | I know Ben has several options open to him for the future and we wish him well in whatever he does Leicester head coach Richard Cockerill |
His 62 caps for England include appearances in two World Cup finals, the 2003 win over Australia and the 2007 defeat by South Africa. He also toured New Zealand with the 2005 British and Irish Lions, playing in two Tests. Leicester head coach Richard Cockerill stated: "Ben has been a brilliant servant of the club for over a decade and a genuine world-class operator with the club, with England and the Lions. "He has shown true commitment to Leicester since he arrived in 1999. "His individual skills, his leadership and his work for the team have taken him right to the top of the game and kept him there for a long period of time. "I know Ben has several options open to him for the future and we wish him well in whatever he does." | 606: DEBATE |
Meanwhile, the Tigers boss has said that England international scrum-half Harry Ellis will see out the remaining year of his contract at Welford Road. "Harry is under contract," said Cockerill. "I know there is lots of speculation but as far as I am aware, Harry will be here next year and, as I am in charge, I should probably know what is happening. "There is a lot of rubbish spouted all the time about who is coming and who is going, who should be playing and who shouldn't be playing. "I make those decisions. Some are financial but selection is my decision. I pick the team that I think will do best for us. "Some people like them, others don't. I will be judged by what happens at the end of the year. "So far, it's been OK. Everyone has their opinion but I am the one who picks the team."
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