Catt: International retirement

Shortly before leaving the changing room we shook hands and embraced, knowing it was the last time as England players we would stand together in a huddle.

Mike Catt
Quotes of the week

Centre Mike Catt has retired from international rugby following England’s World Cup final defeat to South Africa.

The 36-year-old, a World Cup winner in 2003, revealed he had taken the decision to call time on his England career before the 15-6 loss to the Springboks in Paris last weekend.

“I had made up my mind it would be my last international,” Catt was quoted as saying by The Mail on Sunday in extracts from his autobiography to be published next month.

“Others had come to the same decision. Nothing was said but everyone knew.

“Shortly before leaving the changing room we shook hands and embraced, knowing it was the last time as England players we would stand together in a huddle.”

South African-born Catt won a total of 74 caps for England and, following his appearance in Paris, now holds the distinction of being the oldest player to appear in a World Cup final.

Catt - who featured in four different World Cup campaigns - joins final team-mate Jason Robinson in announcing his decision to retire with several other members of the England team also thought to be considering their international futures.

Popularity: 17% [?]

Tags: calls, England

Posted on October 28th, 2007 by Klaus Roe
Filed under: Rugby Union, Motorsport