STATEMENT: Catt to join England Rugby with immediate effect

Catt hung up his boots in 2020, ending a 12-year career in the blue, black and white stripes of Bath.

Catt accrued a total of 170 caps for the Somerset club, and also achieved international honours through the England Saxons. Prior to this Catt was apart of the England U20s side that won the 2008 U20 Six Nations Grand Slam, and is a knowledgeable asset to add to the Pathway coaching staff.

Speaking to England Rugby, Catt voiced his excitement to take on the new role, and join up with Head Coach Jonathan Pendlebury. He thanked his former club for helping him get to this position.

“I’m very grateful to be asked to join the pathway alongside some fantastic coaches and members of staff," said Catt. I’ve had the pleasure of working alongside them at different intervals over the last year and look forward to building on those relationships.

“I’d like to take this opportunity to thank Bath for all the years of support both on and off the pitch, they really are a special club and I look forward to returning with the U20 Men next year for our Six Nations games against Wales and Ireland. 

“I recognise that within the pathway now there is an opportunity to be part of leading England’s teams to excel on the world stage, and I can’t wait to get started.” 

Catt's first role in the England Player Pathway set-up saw him assist with the men's forwards, for the U20s Six Nations and U20s World Championships earlier this year. The former prop takes on the responsibility as scrum coordinator, and oversees the transitioning age group players who progress from junior to senior national set-ups.

Speaking after confirmation of Catt’s arrival to England Rugby, RFU Executive Director of Performance Rugby Conor O’Shea said: “Nathan has demonstrated great commitment to his craft since his retirement from the game, he has played a big part in nurturing the potential associated with the Bath Rugby academy. It’s a great privilege to add his expertise to our pathway here. 

“The RFU has been investing in the pathway over the last three years to ensure we have the right talent coming through, and this new appointment is a continuation of that. 

“His addition is a very important one as the Union seeks to further fortify the calibre of forwards we produce who not only go on to represent England at a senior level, but to challenge at age-grade level too. I have every confidence Nathan will be a fantastic fit for our programme and will continue imparting his knowledge on the country’s finest prospects now fully part of the RFU.” 

Get your tickets to the 2023 Six Nations matches at viagogo, the world’s leading ticket marketplace

They wrote: "We know what you’re thinking – it’s far too early to add the award-winning French scrum-half to this greatest of all time list.

"But the Les Bleus’ talisman is undoubtedly leading one of the most exciting teams on the international stage, all while helping to change the perception of the sport."

They wrote: "With a career spanning over twenty years and five Rugby World Cups, the 39 year old Italian giant is the most-capped player in Guinness Six Nations history - and is still playing for Top 14 team Toulon today."

They wrote: "The winger’s total caps exceeded the 100 mark across his illustrious 12-year international career, dotting down 67 tries.

"He also famously equalled Jonah Lomu’s record for the highest number of tries scored at Rugby World Cups (15)."

They wrote: "A legendary player in Welsh rugby history, Edwards led a formidable national team which largely dominated the Northern hemisphere.

"The hugely talented scrum-half was a gifted playmaker and an all-round sportsman. He’s best known for what is considered one of rugby's greatest ever tries for the Barbarians against New Zealand at Cardiff Arms Park back in 1973."

They wrote: "Best known for captaining the dominant 2003 England side to Rugby World Cup glory, the 6ft 7 towering skipper commanded a real presence on the pitch, with an enviable talent for reading the game.

"In 2001, Johnson became the first player to captain the British and Irish Lions twice, and was remarkably involved in all 10 Five/Six Nations tournaments since his debut. He also captained the Leicester Tigers to four successive Premiership titles."

They wrote: "The hugely talented centre was a near unstoppable force who scored some of the most incredible tries.

"His offloads, interceptions and dummy passes were also a real sight to behold, with his 2009 grand slamming winning drop goal proving one his most magical moments."

They wrote: "His iconic last-gasp drop in extra time saw him clinch the win for England against Australia in the historic 2003 Rugby World Cup glory, inspiring a whole generation in that thrilling moment.

"He’s also won an incredible number of awards and holds numerous world records, including the most drop goals in an international career (36)."

They wrote: "During his time with the dominant All Black side, Carter became the leading points scorer in international rugby, totalling 1598 points and 112 caps.

"He proved instrumental in their two World Cup wins, with his performances leading him to become a three-time World Rugby Player of the Year winner."

They wrote: "The illustrious flanker’s record-breaking 14-year career truly illustrates his influential status as the most decorated All Black captain, leading his team to two successive World Cup wins in 2011 and 2015.

They wrote: "Throughout his international career, his intense physicality and impressive speed led to a total of 63 caps and 37 tries, and his dominant performances helped increase the popularity of the sport worldwide."

Get your tickets to the 2023 Six Nations matches at viagogo, the world’s leading ticket marketplace