Mike Catt takes on England role
02/05/2012
Former World Cup winner Mike Catt is to join the England coaching set-up for the summer tour to South Africa.
Catt will leave his London Irish post when their season ends on May 7th and his temporary contract with England will last up to the end of the tour on June 30th.
"I was very impressed with England during the Six Nations, not just the way they played but the culture that is developing," Catt remarked.
He was appointed after former All Blacks coach Wayne Smith decided to stay in New Zealand, citing personal reasons.
As well as touring South Africa, the Springboks will be in England in the autumn and fans enjoying corporate hospitality for the QBE Internationals can see them play at Twickenham on November 24th.
Catt, who was born in South Africa, was the last player to touch the ball in the 2003 Rugby World Cup final, ending the game when he kicked the ball into touch shortly after Johnny Wilkinson's last-minute drop-goal.
By Liz Johnstone