Mike Catt set to join England – Rugby News Update
England’s search for an interim coach is over, as Mike Catt, the London Irish’s attack coach, is set to join the England team management. Stuart Lancaster, the head coach of the England rugby team has been in search for a coach to replace Andy Farrell.
Andy Farrell worked with the English team during the Six Nations tournament, forging a good working relationship with Lancaster, but the Rugby Football Union was unable to negotiate a deal with him, forcing Lancaster’s hand to find a replacement.
Wayne Smith, the former player and coach of the All Black’s is tipped to take on the job on a full time basis, but his commitments with the Chiefs will not allow him to be part of England’s summer tour of South Africa.
Reports were emerging a few days ago that Catt had joined the English setup but did throw caution to the wind by saying, "I think it has exceeded everyone's expectations and to be part of something like that would be tremendous but it's not set in stone
yet." However, he did praise the work done by the team management, which was a clear indication that he was interested in job, and a deal was near.
While speaking to Sky Sports New, Catt said, "I just look at the young guys that have come through and the talent that England have at the moment and the culture that Stuart, Andy Farrell and Graham Rowntree have built over the Six Nations."
There were other candidates in the running for the position as well, one of them being Alex King, who currently works with Clermont. He said, “As a passionate England fan I'm delighted with what's been happening these last few months and I wish them all
the best in South Africa.”
Mike Catt has a tremendous pedigree and he will be a valuable addition to the team management. He had a distinguished career with England, winning the World Cup in 2003 and also holds the record of being the oldest player to play in a World Cup final.
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