Ben Kay fully backs England's new coaching setup

Former international England teammate Ben Kay says Steve Borthwick has ‘all the credentials to be a great coach’

With England’s performances at the Autumn Nations Cup a distant memory, a new era has arrived in their rugby history which sees ex-Bath, ex-Saracens and ex-England international Steve Borthwick take the helm.

Borthwick comes into the role with plenty of experience as a player and a forwards coach, but he has yet to coach an international side in this capacity. He made a successful transition into a Head Coach role with Leicester Tigers in 2020, leading them to their eleventh Premiership title last season, but the international scene can be a fickle one.

As we have seen recently with the mass exodus of International Head Coaches from their posts before their contracts have ended (Eddie Jones, Wayne Pivac, Dave Rennie, and Vern Cotter), you must hit the ground running at the top of the game, especially in a World Cup year.

Talking to sports betting site Betway earlier in the week Ben Kay alluded to the admiration he has for new England Head coach Borthwick who takes England to this weekend’s Six Nations game against Scotland, his first test as Head Coach.

‘For all he achieved, there's something to be said for the fact that the biggest name players, or the most talented players, often don't make it as coaches.’

‘Steve was one of those guys who was constantly having to work on his game to make himself better, and I think that's given him a really good way of speaking to players, because he understands how to make the best out of yourself.’

Ben also spoke about Borthwick’s decision to bring Kevin Sinfield with him from Leicester Tigers, and the wealth of knowledge in leadership and inspiration he brings having captained Leeds Rhinos to seven Super League Championships and two Challenge Cups.

‘He'll have huge respect, obviously from the stuff he's done charity-wise, but he's also just one of those people that, as soon as you meet him, he's got this aura about him. He's a very good people person.’

‘There's no shouting with him, there's not a huge bollocking. He'll just say, “I need you to make that tackle for me.” And it's like, “I will, for you.”’

‘Every team needs people that can walk into a changing room and light it up. You can't put your finger on why they're so good. When the chips are down, someone that just lifts the mood a little bit, not even because trying to, just their general presence does it.’

This pairing has been a perfect match in a domestic setting, and here’s hoping it will thrive on the international circuit.

Now Borthwick’s England side has been released for his first game as England Head Coach, only time will tell if he can turn an underwhelming third position finish in last year’s tournament, into a side that can thrive in one of the sport’s toughest rugby tournaments.