Mike Catt looks to improve England – Rugby News Update
The recently appointed backs’ coach of England, Mike Catt is looking for a successful stint with his national rugby team. He has been made the backs’ coach on an interim short term basis, and will travel with England for the three-match test series to South
Africa. England will also play two mid-week games during the tour, which starts in June.
Speaking about his role in the team and what he expects to do, he said, "I've got a two-month window that I need to make sure I get things right, make sure I complement Stuart and Graham in everything they do and that I get the players on board too.”
Stuart Lancaster, the head coach of England, wanted Wayne Smith, the current coach of the Chiefs and a former All Blacks’ player for the post, but Smith decided to stay back in New Zealand, citing personal reasons. Mike Catt is grateful to Lancaster for
providing him the opportunity to stake a claim with England as a coach.
He said, "I've got a two-month window that I need to make sure I get things right, make sure I complement Stuart and Graham in everything they do and that I get the players on board too.”
Catt played for England 75 times, and he is one of the legends of English rugby. He has the record of being the oldest player to play in a World Cup final, when he lined up against South Africa in the 2007 final. The South African born player made his England
debut against Wales at Twickenham in 1994 and played till 2007. His last match was against South Africa at the Stade de France in 2007. He has been performing coaching duties with the London Irish team before his appointment by England.
He wants to grab this opportunity with both hands, and he is mindful of it. He said, "I had quite a few of them for England as a player and now this is my opportunity as a coach to make sure I can set my stall...”
Even though Mike Catt was not the first choice but he has the credentials to stake a permanent claim.
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