London Irish back Mike Catt ends playing career

[TRF_Cymro]

World Cup winner Mike Catt has announced that he will end his playing career after London Irish's match against Northampton on Saturday.

The 38-year-old, who played 75 times for England before his international retirement in October 2007, will continue as the club's attack coach.

"The time is right for me to focus full time on that role," said Catt.

South African-born Catt moved to London Irish in 2004 after spending 12 years with Bath.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/rugby_union/my_club/london_irish/8659483.stm​

 

[coonor]

A great career but now is definatly the time to retire. I'm sure this will not be the last time we see catt at irish. hopefully for next season London irish can get a few more players maybe even some irish ones. we (I support london irish in the english prem) need more inspirational players like bob casey but ones that know how to win the big games and competitions. London Irish are a very phsical team however I feel they need a bit more class to compete. dissapointed with the irish this year.

 

[TRF_Olyy]

As above, he's had a great and long career,
Has he played much in the last two seasons? I remember him saying he was taking on a player coach role, but can't remember seeing him play in aaaaaages

 

[munstermuffin]

Lads the man is a naturally talented player and well was an integral part of the World Cup winning camp despite only wearing 21. A massive loss on the pitch but his experience and coaching brain on a full-time basis is a massive bonus off the pitch and Catt can look back on a glorious career.

 

[Teh Mite]

Not many players have achieved more then him (off the top of my head, John Eales and Martin Johnson alone), so he's bound tgo be remembered as one of the greats. Not bad for a Sarfie!!!

I'll be at the MadStad on Saturday and still be hoping he retires with a loss though.

 

[munstermuffin]

Ha sure Saints don't need win Bullitt

But just notice Saints have 3 of 5 nominations for Player of year (all deserved as is inclusion of Brits and S.Armitage)

But just gotta ask why isn't Stef given a run in English shirt as he is always consistent. I know there an ongoing debate about it but I just don't understand. The man is always been praised but can't get a sniff.

 

[TRF_Olyy]

He got a couple of game last six nations, and in the summer tests while the lions was going on, but Johnson was never going to drop Moody for him, unfortunately.
I've always been impressed with S. Armitage, and would love to seem him make more of an impact on the England squad than just warming the bench

 

[User1245]

The man's definitely a legend, however he'll always be remembered mostly as the guy Lomu steamrolled.

 

[munstermuffin]

He got a couple of game last six nations, and in the summer tests while the lions was going on, but Johnson was never going to drop Moody for him, unfortunately.
I've always been impressed with S. Armitage, and would love to seem him make more of an impact on the England squad than just warming the bench

Just a bit funny as the English backrow could do with a player like him as he has pace and power. Johnson has to cut all loyalties and be ruthless if he is to regenerate the English. Now I'm a massive fan of Moody and well maybe play him at 6 but if a player is performing like Armitage consistently then how do you leave the fella out.

 

[TRF_Olyy]

I agree, atm we're playing two fairly athletic backrowers (Haskell/Moody) and have a lump for an 8 (Easter) - i reckon they should have an athletic 8 (Crane or Haskell) with Moody and Armitage (or someone else in for Moody, but i can't see him getting dropped anytime soon, especially as Johnson sees him as Vice Cap these days) as flankers. It's what England used to do (Worsley there to just hit people)

 

[munstermuffin]

But Worsley is a long way off that standard and isn't up for the English first XV

 

[TRF_Olyy]

Too true, i don't know why he's still included, he's a decent defender but offers nothing else

 

[Teh Mite]

Catty got fifteen minutes at the end, touched the ball 6 times and... got MOTM.

Complete fix, but a hell of a send off for him, everyone cheered him on and off (which was lucky as Saints outnumbered NotNots).

 

[munstermuffin]

Bullitt he was MOTM easily. Great send off though