Exclusive
Six Nations
Ben Kay: Why George Ford's drop goal attempt was the right call and will be crucial to their World Cup bid
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Contributors
Ben Kay
@BenKay5
Ben Kay played nearly 300 games for Leicester in the second-row and represented England on 62 occasions, winning the World Cup in 2003 and appearing in the 2007 Final. He was a tourist on the 2005 Lions tour, and since retiring he has forged a successful career as a commentator. He also runs an advertising agency, Pablo and until recently sat on the board of directors at Leicester Tigers.
31 Articles
Latest
Six Nations
World Cup winner Ben Kay assesses the Six Nations teams chances
17
25 days ago
Gallagher Premiership
England's World Cup winner on the big Gallagher Prem talking points
158 days ago
Australia
The Lions are desperate to win the historic Series 3-0 in Sydney
10
214 days ago
Australia
Russell 'unplayable' at the heart of Lions' basic attacking shape
2
221 days ago
Opinion
Ben Kay: 'Watch out Lions, James O’Connor could perform the ultimate redemption arc.'
The breakdown, tweaks to the attack and defensive discipline are all on the to-do list for Andy Farrell with the First Test approa…
Ben Kay
11 Jul 2025, 6:37
4
Opinion
Ben Kay: 'The return of Owen Farrell will ruffle feathers, but not amongst the players. He drives standards.'
The injury to Elliot Daly is a serious blow but the call-up of Owen Farrell does strengthen the squad in many areas
Ben Kay
04 Jul 2025, 7:22
6
Opinion
Ben Kay: 'I get the feeling Aussie pundits have no idea how much the game has changed in the Northern Hemisphere.'
The Lions have work to do but in a pressured environment, the England World Cup winner backs them to meet the Wallaby challenge
Ben Kay
26 Jun 2025, 8:16
19
Exclusive
Ben Kay: 'For England to win, they need the crowd in full voice and willing them over the line'
England will have to change tack against Ireland if they are to stand a chance of upsetting Andy Farrell's green machine
Ben Kay
06 Mar 2024, 13:14
10
Exclusive
Ben Kay: 'I genuinely think it’s a really exciting time to be an England fan'
With a team in transition, Italy in Rome presents a potential banana skin but there is much to savour with this new England team
Ben Kay
02 Feb 2024, 0:43
Exclusive
Ben Kay: 'I’ve seen bigger upsets in sport than England winning tonight'
Steve Borthwick's men are clear underdogs against the Springboks and will hope to cause a huge upset in Paris
Ben Kay
21 Oct 2023, 1:49
4
Exclusive
Ben Kay: 'England go in as favourites, but only on paper, not on form'
Steve Borthwick has rolled the selection dice with the stakes sky-high, win and it's onto the semi-finals, lose and they're going …
Ben Kay
13 Oct 2023, 9:51
4
Opinion
Ben Kay: 'South Africa's 2019 World Cup win is England's blueprint'
Having already qualified for the knock-out stages, Steve Borthwick has a rare luxury, not afforded to rivals scrapping for surviva…
Ben Kay
04 Oct 2023, 8:52
3
Opinion
Ben Kay: The stars are starting to align for England
The England World Cup winner says that while Steve Borthwick's men are far from the finished article the confidence is coming back
Ben Kay
16 Sep 2023, 14:54
5
Opinion
Ben Kay: 'For me, Sexton is more important to Ireland than Dupont is to France.'
With 100 days until the start of the Rugby World Cup, the countdown is on as squads are trimmed and the mind games start
Ben Kay
31 May 2023, 6:52
1
Opinion
Ben Kay: 'I really feel England are lacking leadership'
The countdown is on for the World Cup and Steve Borthwick doesn't have a moment to spare to turn his squad into contenders
Ben Kay
22 Mar 2023, 16:22
3
Opinion
Ben Kay: 'Steve doesn't have an ego, just an insane drive to be the best'
The new England coach isn't renowned for his media-friendly persona but he will adapt if he thinks it helps England's cause
Ben Kay
19 Jan 2023, 0:04
Opinion
Ben Kay: 'England are a long way off where Eddie - if he was truthful - would want them'
With three Test blocks before the World Cup, every game will bring more scrutiny for an England coach still tinkering with his bes…
Ben Kay
04 Nov 2022, 7:26
1
Opinion
Ben Kay: 'Eddie Jones is the Jose Mourinho of rugby'
The England World Cup winner and BT Sport pundit feels it's time for the erstwhile head coach to put the players first with the Wo…
Ben Kay
12 Jul 2022, 14:16
Opinion
Ben Kay: 'My English Premiership players of the season'
The final round of the regular season is approaching so England World Cup winner and respected pundit Ben Kay picks out the outsta…
Ben Kay
01 Jun 2022, 7:27
1
Analysis
Ben Kay: 'Any lesser player may have been written off by now, but not Manu'
The England World Cup winner faced Wales on six occasions but he knows Wales have the wherewithal to unsettle an England team who …
Ben Kay
23 Feb 2022, 8:43
Opinion
Ben Kay: "I'd take Ford, Farrell and Smith to the World Cup"
Eddie Jones takes plenty of flak, especially about selection, but he still has it in his gift to draw the in-form George Ford back…
Ben Kay
12 Nov 2021, 6:59
World 12s challenges the status quo
A shock new rugby format has divided fans on launch but what is the rationale behind the announcement?
Ben Kay
10 Sep 2021, 14:54
Ben Kay: This tour hasn't enhanced the Lions brand
Many will think it strange me saying this, but I thought in many ways it was a brilliant performance by the Lions. They put themse…
Ben Kay
09 Aug 2021, 4:51
Ben Kay: The squad I'd pick for the final Test
These first two Test haven’t been short on talking points but sadly not for all the right reasons because the quality of the rug…
Ben Kay
02 Aug 2021, 11:32
