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Rugby Union

Catt could miss England tour

28/04/2007

Mike Catt could be ruled out of England's tour to South Africa with a long-standing back problem.

Coach Brian Ashton is already without a host of key personnel who are involved in European finals with their clubs and the absence of Catt would be a massive blow.

England also have injury doubts over fly-half Jonny Wilkinson after the Newcastle man was ruled out of his sides final Guinness Premiership match of the season against Bath.

Catt captained England in their final two games of this season's Six Nations and provided some much needed experience to a young back division.

However the centre has been out for the last six weeks and will miss today's game with Northampton as well.

Without being able to prove his fitness Ashton may not be able to select Catt for what is sure to be a physically demanding tour.

Catt conceded: "A few decisions have to be made and I need to see where I am physically."

The World Cup winner was born in South Africa and had been looking forward to going back there as captain of England but he still hopes to overcome the injury and fulfil that ambition.

He said: "From a purely selfish point of view, the chance to captain England in South Africa would be brilliant.

"The Tests are going to be a massive challenge and they are a huge opportunity for those players who are chosen to tour."

The 35-year-old has won 67 caps for England in a variety of positions across the back line scoring 142 points, including seven tries.

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