Bath and England Saxon forward Nathan Catt has reluctantly hung up his boots, announcing his retirement from rugby with immediate effect due to long-term injury.
The seasoned forward bids a fond farewell to Bath Rugby after spending 12 years at the club and making 170 appearances in the Blue, Black and White.
Catt said: “I have been a part of this club for a very long time now and it has been a huge part of my life. The city is phenomenal, the supporters, the club, the players of past and present, it has all been a fantastic journey. I can’t thank Bath Rugby enough for giving me this opportunity to experience so many great memories.
“It has been an extremely tough decision to make. Whilst I have great pride when I look back on my career, I do sit here and think of what could have come – but that’s sport and injuries are part and parcel of the game we all love.
“My time has come before I’d have liked to hang up my boots, but I’m very proud of what I’ve achieved, the friends I’ve made and the memories I will cherish. To the supporters, I just want to say a huge thank you for backing me and following me on my journey, you have been nothing short of amazing.”
RANKED | The 10 highest paid people in rugby union, 2020
Keep reading to see the top 10 highest-paid people in rugby union, ranked in ascending order of earnings.
9=. ANDY FARRELL £600k (Ireland)
The first of two Farrell's on this list, Andy received a significant pay boost when he took over from Joe Schmidt following the 2019 Rugby World Cup.
9=. DAN BIGGAR £600k (Northampton Saints)
The Welsh pivot has made the most of his big-money move from Ospreys to Northampton Saints, where he has shone consistently since joining in 2018.
8. STEVE LUATUA £650k (Bristol Bears)
Didn't make any friends within the All Blacks hierarchy when he decided to cash in on his extreme rugby talent, signing for Bristol in 2017. Has since signed a two-year contract extension. The All Blacks aren’t allowed by the New Zealand Rugby Union to pick exiles.
6=. OWEN FARRELL £750k (Saracens)
The England captain signed his deal a while ago. It's set to run until 2022 when he can expect to earn an increase again wherever he decides to play, assuming rugby hasn't completely decided to tighten its belt by then.
6=. EDDIE JONES £750k (England)
The highest-paid international rugby coach. His salary pales in comparison to Manchester City chief Pep Guardiola (£20million) and England football chief Gareth Southgate (£3m).
5. PAT LAM £800k (Bristol Bears)
The former Newcastle, Northampton and Samoa back-row will remain at Ashton Gate until at least 2023 after signing a bumper contract extension in 2019. The 50-year-old, as a result, became the highest paid rugby boss in the world.
4. MARO ITOJE £825k (Saracens)
Signed a new deal last year that was reportedly between £750,000 and £1 million. He's one of the next year and is widely regarded as the best lock in the world, with the salary to match.
3. EBEN ETZEBETH £900k (Toulon)
The 28-year-old Springbok extended his stay at the French club in July by signing a new three-year deal with the club that will see him remain at the club until June 2023.
2=. CHARLES PIUTAU £1m (Bristol Bears)
The former New Zealand wing or full-back become British rugby’s first million-pound player when he signed for Bristol Bears. The former All Black speedster, who deserted his international ambitions at the premature age of 23, has consistently been one of the best players in Europe since 2015.
1=. HANDRE POLLARD £1m (Montpellier)
The World Cup-winning Springboks playmaker Handre Pollard became the joint highest paid rugby player in the world alongside Piutau when he agreed to leave the Bulls in Super Rugby to join Montpellier in the Top 14 last year.
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