Michael John Catt is a rare player, a utility back able to thrive at the highest level at fly half, centre, full back or wing. First capped as a replacement for Rob Andrew against Wales in 1994, he scored 21 points in the first test in Argentina back in 1997 before flying to South Africa to make his Lions debut. He re-established himself at inside centre for England in 2000 and toured with the Lions again in 2001 although injury prevented him from playing any tests. He is the only England international to have worn every jersey number from 10 to 15 in his test career. Catt missed the 2002 Six Nations through injury but returned to Bath in great form for the start of the 2002-2003 season, surmounting hamstring problems and earning a late call up to the England side for the Rugby World Cup. His striking display against Wales in the quarter final made a significant difference to England’s fortunes and earned him a place in the England semi final starting line up against France. He was one of the 19 players involved in the final in Sydney, coming on as a replacement.

Catt won his 50th cap in February 2001, against Italy. Educated at Grey School, Port Elizabeth, he holds a British passport courtesy of his Englishborn mother. Injury delayed his involvement in the 2004 RBS 6 Nations, but he returned by captaining England A against France A in March before coming on as a replacement against Wales at Twickenham. After so many years with Bath, Catt joins London Irish next season.