He attended Grey High School in Port Elizabeth until 1989 and represented Eastern Province at rugby union.

Catt was called up as an injury replacement in the 1997 British Lions tour to South Africa and played in the final test.

At the time the England squad (excluding the substantial number who were with the Lions) were touring Argentina, where Catt was showing excellent form.

[citation needed] Catt was selected for the 2001 British & Irish Lions tour to Australia but was injured and replaced by Scott Gibbs.

[citation needed] In the semi-final against France, Catt was selected to start at inside centre as a tactical move, and due to his performance against Wales.

He played in the extra-time period in the final as a replacement for Mike Tindall, alongside Wilkinson and Will Greenwood in England's midfield.

Catt made several breaks in the extra-time period, and kicked the ball into touch to bring about the final whistle, ending the game and confirming England as world champions.

Catt confirmed his retirement from international rugby on 27 October 2007, the week after England lost to South Africa in that year's World Cup.

When he fully retired from playing at the end of the 2009–10 season, he remained with the London Irish set-up until Smith returned to the club in 2012.

[7] On 25 March 2016, Catt was announced as part of the newly appointed Italy coaching staff, sharing duties with Conor O'Shea and Stephen Aboud.

Catt said: "I am looking forward to RWC in Japan and seeing the group of players we have here in Italy fulfil their potential and achieve the objectives we have set for ourselves.