Nathan Catt joins pathway coaching setup
Catt joins the RFU from Bath Rugby and will operate as the England Rugby pathway’s designated scrum coach
The 35-year-old announced his retirement from playing in 2020 as a one-club man after 12 years of service and 170 appearances for Bath, also attaining a U20 Six Nations Grand Slam for England at U20 level and a cap as a Saxon.
Speaking after confirmation of Catt’s arrival, RFU Executive Director of Performance Rugby Conor O’Shea said: “Nathan has demonstrated great commitment to his craft since his retirement from the game, he has played a big part in nurturing the potential associated with the Bath Rugby academy. It’s a great privilege to add his expertise to our pathway here.
“The RFU has been investing in the pathway over the last three years to ensure we have the right talent coming through, and this new appointment is a continuation of that.
“His addition is a very important one as the Union seeks to further fortify the calibre of forwards we produce who not only go on to represent England at a senior level, but to challenge at age-grade level too. I have every confidence Nathan will be a fantastic fit for our programme and will continue imparting his knowledge on the country’s finest prospects now fully part of the RFU.”
The former prop will take on responsibility of scrum coordinator as players transition from junior to senior rugby players in the national set-up, ensuring more comprehensive support for budding internationals whilst wearing the Rose.
Catt was also involved with the England pathway in assisting the forwards of the U20 Men’s side in their respective outings in this year’s U20 Six Nations and U20 World Championships.
In a progressive step forward from the England Rugby pathway, the group will now look to capitalise on the foundations put in at the recent Front Five Forwards Specialist Camp and develop the set-piece talents of the most promising age-grade players in England.
Catt will link-up with Jonathan Pendlebury and the U18 Men for the squad’s upcoming regional camps at St. George’s Park (25-26 November) and Bisham Abbey (2-3 December), the first of many involvements with his role expanding across all pathway teams ahead of a busy 2023/24 campaign.
“I’m very grateful to be asked to join the pathway alongside some fantastic coaches and members of staff," said Catt. I’ve had the pleasure of working alongside them at different intervals over the last year and look forward to building on those relationships.
“I’d like to take this opportunity to thank Bath for all the years of support both on and off the pitch, they really are a special club and I look forward to returning with the U20 Men next year for our Six Nations games against Wales and Ireland.
“I recognise that within the pathway now there is an opportunity to be part of leading England’s teams to excel on the world stage, and I can’t wait to get started.”
