Catt reveals tour offer
World Cup winner Mike Catt offered to travel with England on their tour of South Africa but was told to concentrate on building up his fitness.
The 35-year-old has been sidelined with a back injury and despite being critical of the tour, with England severely under-strength, wanted to be part of the trip and give his input in any way possible.
Catt led England in their last two Six Nations matches and coach Brian Ashton wants him working on his fitness, with the World Cup starting in September one of his goals.
Catt, who is at least two months away from being ready to return, said: “I chatted to Brian about going on the South Africa Tour and he thought it wasn’t a good idea that I went.
“He wanted me to use this eight or nine-week period to concentrate on rehab and getting back the strength.”
Catt, who was born in South Africa, added: “It is now up to me to make sure I am fit and healthy if selected in the final 40 or 50-man squad that Ashton picks.”
