[4][6] He was lured to his local Randwick DRUFC ahead of the Sydney Uni Rugby Club and debuted in 1958, aged eighteen in the under 21s.
The following season he cemented a first grade spot and after just a few games he made his state representative debut for New South Wales against the touring British Lions.
[1] He played alongside Arthur Summons in the halves, scoring a try to help New South Wales to an upset 18–14 win over the tourists to mark his state debut.
He was honoured with the Australian captaincy later that year in the 75th Jubilee Test played to mark the anniversary of the New Zealand Rugby Union.
In the first of those Tests in 1968 he suffered a career-ending injury when Colin "Pinetree" Meads grabbed and wrenched Catchpole's leg while he was pinned under other players in a ruck, tearing his hamstring off the bone, and severely rupturing his groin muscles.
[16] Upon his induction Australian Rugby Union President Paul McLean referred to Catchpole as: "exuding grace and majesty".
Others have made contributions to techniques in passing, kicking, and running, but as the supreme exponent of all the skills Catchpole stands beyond rivalry.
Not only was he quicker of thought, action and reaction, but a judicious kicker and more subtle runner than either Going or Edwards ... Catchpole was ... years ahead of his time.
Ken Catchpole was named alongside Col Windon, Mark Ella and David Campese as the first Invincibles of Australian rugby.