The Swire Shipping Fijian Drua has announced the appointment of Mike Catt as Senior Assistant Coach ahead of the 2027 Shop N Save Super Rugby Pacific season. He joins newly appointed Head Coach Brad Mooar as the franchise strengthens its coaching team for the upcoming campaign.

Catt, a member of England’s 2003 Rugby World Cup-winning squad and recipient of an OBE, brings extensive international playing and coaching experience. He earned 75 Test caps for England, played in four Rugby World Cups, and has held coaching roles with England, Italy, Ireland, and most recently the NSW Waratahs.

In the release, Catt said he was excited to join the Drua.

Eager to join the Drua, Catt said: “I’m very excited. I think what I’ve seen and how the Drua have performed in the past five years since they’ve started has been very impressive and it only looks like going forward, they are heading towards the right direction. To be part of something special and relatively new is very and it is the calibre of the players that I watch on a weekly basis for the past couple of years since I’ve been in Australia, is very impressive.

“One of the big reasons why I came is, I’ve never really coached a nation where rugby is their number one sport. And I love the game, it has taken me around the world, and I’ve had the most incredible journey and for me to give back to the people and make sure that we go to another level is crucial. This is very exciting to me.”

Jeff Miller, CEO of the Fijian Drua, welcomed the appointment, describing Catt’s experience and achievements as a major boost for the club and Fiji rugby.

“We are very excited to announce Mike as Brad’s senior assistant coach as he brings with him a wealth of coaching and playing experience. To have someone that has achieved so much as part of our coaching team is a great coup for our club and for Fiji!”

Further coaching announcements will be made in due course.