Mike Catt wants permanent position – Rugby News Update
Mike Catt, the 40-year-old assistant coach of England is hoping that he will be appointed on a permanent basis following the tour of South Africa.
Catt quit his role with London Irish in the Aviva Premiership to take up the role under Stuart Lancaster, the head coach of England for the tour of South Africa. England is currently trailing the Springboks 2 – 0 and they play their final game against the
hosts at Port Elizabeth on Saturday.
Catt told BBC Radio 5 Live: "Hopefully I've done enough over the past few weeks for Stuart to make a decision.
"What will be will be. I have done my bit and hopefully it will bode well for the future."
Catt believes that the players have learnt a lot on the current tour and it will hold them in good stead for the future, especially when the 2015 World Cup comes around.
The most important lesson he feels that the team has learnt is that South Africa cannot be taken lightly, the players have to concentrate for the full 80 minutes, and not give the Springboks any chance to dominate, whether it is for 20 minutes, or try to
cut a 20-point deficit. They will punish you if you slack off a bit.
Speaking about his own experience he said, "[The tour] has been an amazing experience from my point of view. I've thoroughly enjoyed coaching these guys. It is a brilliant environment to work in."
The last game at Port Elizabeth is important for England, and that is where Catt was born. He will be returning to his city of birth and he wants his team to lay down the marker for the Springboks visit to England in November. He wants the team to win the
last game, and that will also be good for the confidence of the team.
He said, "If we can pick up a scalp, that would be massive for this young team on the journey to the World Cup. The experience we have gained is invaluable.”
Catt played 75 games for England, winning the 2003 World Cup and scored 142 points in his career.
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