Mike Catt > Our Talent - This is Paragon:

Mike Catt

Mike Catt MBE & OBE has made a striking contribution to rugby as a play-maker for his clubs and country.

As well as touring British and Irish Lions, Catt was a key part in 4 World Cups, including playing a crucial role in winning the 2003 Rugby World Cup!

Catt’s Career

Mike Catt finally hung up his international rugby boots in 2007, but did remain playing for London Irish until 2009 when his 18 year playing career came to an end. Mike then took on the role of Attack coach for London Irish.
South African-born, he went to Grey Junior and High School and represented Eastern Province, but has played his senior rugby in England. He holds a British passport as his mother Anne was born in the Home Counties.

He joined Bath in 1992 as understudy to Stuart Barnes and stayed at the Recreation Ground for 12 years. He had a testimonial year with Bath in 2004 and joined London Irish for the 04/05 season after considering offers to play in Japan. He was named Guinness Premiership Player of the Season for 2005/6.
Playing mainly at full back, he was part of England’s 1995 Grand Slam winning side, and played in the 1995 Rugby World Cup.

While touring Argentina with England, Mike was called up as an injury replacement for the 1997 British Lions tour to South Africa and played in the final test.

In 2000, with the retirement of Will Carling and Jeremy Guscott after the 1999 RWC, his career was revived when he stepped into midfield. Acting as an inside centre, with Jonny Wilkinson at No 10, his kicking and distribution contributed to England’s high try count.

In the 2003 RWC Quarter Final against Wales he took second half command of the game to see England through after coming on as a replacement and stayed at centre in place of the injured Mike Tindall for the Semi Final against France.

Mike led England against France and Wales in the RBS 6 Nations after Head Coach Brian Ashton turned to a player he coached at club level to replace the concussed Phil Vickery.

In the 2007 Rugby World Cup, incredibly Mike’s FOURTH World Cup, he played in 5 of the 7 matches including the Quarter-Final, Semi-Final and Final. Along with Wilkinson he was credited with turning around England’s fortunes and helping them get to the Final.

Catt is currently tasked with getting the best out of the English back line as the England attack coach, alongside fellow coaching staff; Head Coach Stuart Lancaster, Forwards Coach Graham Rowntree and Defence Coach Andy Farrell.

Why Book Catt?

Mike enjoys the role of Brand Ambassador for Clydesdale Bank, a leading UK bank, which allows him to travel around the UK fulfilling appearances with clients and customers. In addition Mike is a regular columnist for The Sunday Telegraph.

Mike is available for speaking engagements, endorsements, personal appearances and media work.