Leicester Tigers and England hero Ben Kay is to retire from rugby at the end of the season after the Tigers decided not to renew his contract.

Kay, who was part of England’s victorious World Cup side in 2003, has been with rugby union outfit since 1999, all of his professional career, and was disappointed at Leicester’s decision not to offer him a new contract.

The writing was on the wall, however. Kay was left out of the squad for both the Premiership semi final and final as Leicester lifted their third title in four years.

On the decision, Kay was philisophical:

“These days it’s a business and making the right decision at the right time is why Leicester have been so successful at it.”

The second row has had a glittering career, winning a World Cup medal in 2003 and playing in every minute of every game as England reached the final in 2007, only to lose out to South Africa. He has 62 England caps and two British Lions caps.

When he hangs up his boots at the end of the season he will join sports channel ESPN to provide commentary on next season’s Premiership matches.