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Rugby Union

Catt signs coaching deal with Exiles

21/06/2007

England and London Irish back Mike Catt has signed a new two-year deal to become a player-coach.

The 35-year-old will shift his focus away from the playing side of the game to concentrate on coaching the Exiles' backs.

Catt's new role is his first official coaching appointment, although he will continue to be registered as a London Irish player. He said he is looking forward to passing on his experience to the club's younger players.

"I've enjoyed my rugby at London Irish and am really looking forward to the change of role," the 69-cap England veteran said.

"There comes a time in every player's career where he has to look to the future. For me moving into coaching is a natural progression and I'm pleased to have the opportunity of doing so with London Irish.

"We've a very talented set of young backs with the potential to make a real impact at European and international level - it will be rewarding to play a part in helping them to get there."

London Irish director of rugby Brian Smith described Catt's contribution to the club since he joined in 2004 as "enormous" and said having an experienced, international-calibre player coaching his players would be "invaluable".

"He is a world class player who has shown that he has the skills to continue to compete at the highest international level," Smith said.

"We're delighted that he has decided to stay as a player/coach."

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