Mike Catt joins Fijian Drua as senior assistant coach

Mike Catt, a World Cup winner with England in 2003, is set to bring his extensive coaching experience to the Fijian Drua as the team's new senior assistant coach. He joins the staff under newly appointed head coach Brad Mooar for the 2027 season, bolstering the coaching ticket in Nadi.

“

I’m very excited. I think what I’ve seen and how the Drua have performed over the past five years since they started has been very impressive, and it looks like they are heading in the right direction.

Catt arrives in Fiji after two seasons with the Waratahs under Dan McKellar. His coaching resume includes significant roles with the England, Italy, and Ireland national teams, focusing on attack coaching. He expressed his excitement about the opportunity to contribute to Fijian rugby, a nation renowned for its attacking flair.

"I'm very excited. I think what I've seen and how the Drua have performed over the past five years since they started has been very impressive, and it looks like they are heading in the right direction," Catt stated. He highlighted the appeal of joining a relatively new and special project, impressed by the caliber of Fijian players he has observed.

“

To be part of something special and relatively new is very (exciting), and the calibre of the players that I have watched on a weekly basis for the past couple of years since I’ve been in Australia is very impressive.

Catt also noted that coaching a nation where rugby is the number one sport was a significant draw. "For me to give back to the people and make sure that we go to another level is crucial," he added, reflecting on his own journey with the sport.

“

One of the big reasons why I came is I’ve never really coached a nation where rugby is their number one sport. 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.

The Fijian Drua has finished 10th in the Super Rugby Pacific competition in their last two seasons. While they reached the playoffs in 2023 and 2024, they were eliminated in the quarter-finals as the seventh seed. The club is embarking on a new era with Mooar at the helm, following the departure of head coach Glen Jackson. CEO Jeff Miller expressed confidence that these coaching appointments will revitalize the club.

“

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!