Kay played an integral role in helping England to win the World Cup in 2003

Ben Kay, a member of England's 2003 World Cup-winning team, has confirmed he is to retire from rugby.

The 34-year-old lock left Leicester at the end of the season after the Premiership champions opted not to offer him a new deal.

Kay, who won 62 caps for England, is pursuing a media career and will now work as a commentator with ESPN.

"I had other options but I was keeping things open while ESPN confirmed the deal," Kay told the Guardian.

Kay made his Leicester debut in September 1999 and helped them win six Premiership titles and two Heineken Cups, in all featuring in 281 first-team games for the Tigers.

But he was left out of the squad for their Premiership semi-final against Bath and also sat out the 33-27 win over Saracens which secured their third title in four years.

606: DEBATE An unsung hero for England and a great servant for the Tigers. Good luck in your new career tigerburnie

On the club's decision not to offer him a new deal, he said: "These days it's a business and making the right decision at the right time is why Leicester have been so successful at it."

Kay was an integral part of England's World Cup-winning side seven years ago and also played every minute of every match in 2007 when they also reached the final before losing to South Africa. His career also featured two Lions caps in 2005.

Leicester head coach Richard Cockerill said last month: "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."

Kay will be a co-commentator with ESPN for next season's Premiership television coverage.

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