EX-LEICESTER PLAYER Ben Kay has backed Leinster’s pursuit of Matt O’Connor, calling his former coach “hugely analytical” and praising his ability to spot talent.

Speaking on 2FM’s Game On, Kay said that O’Connor, the current Leicester boss who is widely expected to become the next Leinster coach, was “a big part of Richard Cockerill’s success” as Director of Rugby:

“He wasn’t a big name over here [at first],” he said. “He actually ended up striking up a big partnership with Richard Cockerill.”

Kay described how Cockerill now seems resigned to the prospect of losing his colleague.

“He didn’t think he could stand in his way as a friend. For Richard Cockerill to mention it seems conclusive. He’s massively detailed with his analysis and should work well with Richie Murphy there.

“He’s very good at spotting talent and probably used to doing that with a tighter budget.”

Kay also explained how his former coach’s cerebral approach would be complemented by Jono Gibbes’ more direct communication style at Leinster.

“He puts across a lot of information. He does need [someone like Gibbes] to give information to us dopey forwards.”

And fans concerned that the exciting rugby played under Joe Schmidt at Leinster would now be less apparent need not worry, as O’Connor helped turn Leicester into a team with an “attacking philosophy,” according to Kay.

“He persuaded Richard Cockerill to make Geordan Murphy captain of the club. He wanted a much more attractive brand of rugby.”

Meanwhile, on the subject of the Lions, Kay said that he was happy with the balance of young and more experienced players in the side. He admitted he was surprised at the omission of Rory Best, but played down concerns that too many Welsh players had been picked.

“I don’t think he went in there thinking he would pick a lot of Welshmen. There were just a lot more Welsh players that suited his style,” he added.

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