Mike Catt could join the English setup – Rugby News Update
The legendary Mike Catt might be back in the English setup, but this time as part of the management. The current attack coach of the London Irish rugby team is a heavy favourite to join the back-staff of Stuart Lancaster, England's head coach.
Mike Catt had a glittering international career for England, earning 75 caps, playing in three rugby World Cup Finals, and he earned an Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) in 2011 for his dedication to the sport. Catt won the World Cup in 2003
with England, playing in various positions for the team, which included filling in at fullback, fly-half, inside centre and even the wing.
Stuart Lancaster was speaking about the position and mentioned the need to hire a temporary back staff, saying, "Short term we need to find a replacement for Andy for the tour and some support coaches who can come in and help out with the team that plays
in midweek.”
Andy Farrell, the first team coach of the Saracens had a stint with the English for the Six Nations tournament, leading the side to a second place finish. Lancaster was hoping that the Rugby Football Union would tie him down for the summer tour of South
Africa, where England plays three tests and two midweek games. However, the RFU was unable to negotiate a deal with Andy, dragging their feet in tying him down.
"I had a great relationship with Andy from the Saxons, I enjoyed working with him and felt he was the right man to help us through that Six Nations period," Lancaster told RFU.com on the protracted negotiation which led him to decline the offer.
Stuart Lancaster wants to build for the future and is taking 40 players to South Africa for the tour, which will enable him to put the best team out when the next World Cup comes along in 2015. He said, “Long term as well I want to make sure we've got the
best coaching team to take us not only through the QBE Internationals this autumn and next year's Six Nations but right the way through Rugby World Cup 2015."
Mike Catt will be a great addition to the England setup and he will surely be able to make a difference.
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