Mike Catt

Michael John Catt MBE (born in 17 September 1971) is an English rugby union footballer who plays for London Irish, having previously played for Bath. He has played for England at full back, fly-half, inside centre and even wing, and was part of the England side that won the 2003 Rugby Union World Cup.

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Born in Port Elizabeth, South Africa, Catt's mother was English, and as a student he toured England. At the time, South Africa was banned from international competition because of the policy of apartheid.

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After trialing for Gloucester R.F.C., the young fly-half made his Bath debut as a 21-year-old against Nottingham R.F.C. in 1992. Eighteen months later was given his international debut against Wales.

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Playing at full back, Catt was part of England's 1995 Grand Slam winning side, and played in the 1995 Rugby Union World Cup, where he was one of the unfortunate England players ran over by Jonah Lomu.

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Catt was called up as an injury replacement in the 1997 British Lions tour to South Africa and played in the final test.

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During the middle of his international career, he was ridiculed on various occasions, many observers, including Southern Hemisphere commentators, just did not rate him. He was booed when he missed a penalty against Australia in 1998 at Twickenham that could have won the match; Australia won by 1 point. Only a week later, he played an important part in the unexpected win over South Africa, playing at stand-off. His skills were thus underrated by many.

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In 2000, with the retirement of centres after the 1999 Rugby World Cup, his career was revived when he stepped in to midfield. Acting as a 2nd 5/8, with Jonny Wilkinson his kicking and distribution was responsible for the high try counts of that year.

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Catt was selected for the 2001 British and Irish Lions tour to Australia but was injured and replaced by Scott Gibbs.

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Catt was part of the squad that won the 2003 Rugby Union World Cup, playing instead of Mike Tindall at centre in the semi-final against France because of his superior kicking skills and an injury to Tindall. Fittingly, as one of the senior backs in the squad, he kicked the ball in to touch for the final whistle.

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At the end of the 2003-4 season, Bath decided not to renew his contract with the club and he moved to London Irish.

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MBE: MBE can stand for:...

17 September: REDIRECT September 17...

1971: 1971 is a common year starting on Friday (click for link to calendar)....

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