England World Cup winner, 75 caps, and the utility back who did the clever things
RugbyMike Catt won the 2003 World Cup, kicked the ball into row Z to end the final, and has dined out on the story with exactly the right amount of modesty ever since.
Born in Port Elizabeth and raised on South African rugby, Catt qualified for England through his British grandmother and made his Test debut in 1994. Over the next 13 years he won 75 caps, played in three World Cups, and became one of the most versatile backs in the world, covering fly half, inside centre and full back for England at the highest level. He was a key figure in the 2003 squad that won the World Cup in Sydney and came on as a replacement in that unforgettable extra-time final, playing a huge part in getting England into position for Jonny Wilkinson's drop goal.
At club level he had two long and successful spells at Bath and later at London Irish, winning the Heineken Cup in 1998 and becoming one of the most dependable playmakers of the professional era. He played on until he was 36 and retired with one of the most unusual distinctions in English rugby: three World Cup campaigns, two finals, and one winner's medal.
Since retiring he has moved into coaching, working with London Irish, the Italy national team, and most recently as attack coach for Ireland under Andy Farrell, where he has been part of a staff that turned Ireland into the world's top-ranked side.
At Steam Wine Bar, Catt brings the full 2003 story, a coach's eye for the modern game, and the unflappable calm that made him the man England turned to whenever the pressure came on.
Two decades of world class speakers in the basement at EC3. Want to book Mike Catt or someone like them? Tell us what you need and we will come back with a plan.
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