Catt in as Smith rejects England

Mike Catt will leave London Irish and join Englands coaching set-up after Wayne Smith rejected a spot in Stuart Lancasters backroom team.

Catt will leave the Premiership club in time to take in his new role for Englands South Africa tour in June.

Mike Catt factfile

• Born in South Africa, utility back Catt joined Bath in 1992 and moved to London Irish in 2004, becoming player-coach in 2007
• Played 75 games for England, scoring 142 points, and was a member of the realm Cup-winning side in 2003
• Became the oldest player to play on the earth Cup final in 2007 and the oldest to play in a Premiership final in 2009
• Attack coach for the Exiles since retiring in 2010, working with England internationals Delon Armitage and Shontayne Hape

Former All Blacks head coach Smith has turned down the chance for family reasons.

"Mikes experienced in playing in South Africa and this may be invaluable," said England head coach Lancaster.

Catts role with England might be reviewed after the tour to South Africa, but Lancaster described it as "a good chance for him to position a marker down".

"Mike will clearly bring plenty to the attacking game but equally i'll be expecting him to control our exit sets, our kicking strategy, our organisation of set-piece defence," added Lancaster.

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"i'm sure hes greater than in a position to doing that."

Catt, born in South Africa, joined Bath in 1992 and moved to London Irish in 2004, becoming player-coach in 2007.

He made his debut for England in 1994 and his 75 international caps included a vital role in winning the 2003 World Cup.

"Mike has played on the top level and is extremely respected," added Lancaster.

"He has done an excellent job whilst coaching at London Irish and we're looking ahead to working with him in this South Africa tour."

Catt, 40, said he was interested in the recent challenge after eight years with London Irish.

Englands tour of South Africa

Saturday 9 June: South Africa v England, Durban (1600 BST)

Wednesday 13 June: SA Barbarians South v England, Kimberley (1330 BST)

Saturday 16 June: South Africa v England, Johannesburg (1600 BST)

Tuesday 19 June: SA Barbarians North v England, Potchefstroom (1810 BST)

Saturday 23 June: South Africa v England, Port Elizabeth (1600 BST)

"There are some talented young players coming through and the opportunity to work with them for the Barbarians game and the tour is absolutely exciting," added Catt.

"Ill be sad to go away London Irish and that i like to say a major because of the whole players and coaches I actually have worked with since 2004.

"Toby Booth especially deserves massive credit for what and the way he has taught me. Thanks also to the supporters who've been brilliant during the last eight years and that i will cast off some lasting memories."

Smith has cited family reasons behind his decision to stay with the Waikato Chiefs after a weekend of considering the offer to enroll in England.

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"It was a surprisingly difficult decision but ultimately I actually have decided to stick in New Zealand, mainly for private reasons," said Smith.

"I took the job with the Chiefs so i may move nearer to my elderly parents. I even have travelled the globe with rugby for the last 15 years and that i would like to fulfil my commitment to be in the direction of them."

Lancaster said he understood Smiths decision.

"Im clearly disappointed but I fully respect his decision," he added. "I are aware of it. Hes got strong family ties back in New Zealand."

Meanwhile, BBC Berkshire understands defence coach Justin Bishop is likewise leaving London Irish on the end of the season. Bishop made 279 appearances in 10 years on the Madejski Stadium.

From WhatNewsToday.net

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