BBC SPORT | Rugby Union | English | Catt pledges future to Bath

England's Mike Catt has ended speculation about a lucrative Premiership move by pledging his future to Bath.

The 30-year-old fly-half, who has been a key figure at the West Country club since making his debut back in 1994, had been linked with a switch to Wasps or Leeds.

But on Monday Bath confirmed he had signed a one-year extension to his current deal, which will see him stay at the club until the end of the 2003/4 season.

Bath director Mike Foley said: "Mike is an oustanding player and person.

Jack Rowell has returned as director of rugby
Rowell's arrival helped Catt's decision

"He is a major influence when the team is successful and importantly he had a positive impact when we went through difficult times last season."

Bath endured one of their worst campaigns in recent memory last season, finishing second bottom in the Zurich Premiership.

And their plight was further hampered by the departure of former coach Jon Callard.

But ex-England boss Jack Rowell's appointment as the new director of rugby is thought to have persuaded the England centre to stay put.

Catt was one of the few consistent performers in the side throughout the season before falling foul of a shoulder injury.

He is currently making his return to fitness and is expected to be given the all clear in time for the start of next season's Premiership campaign.

Team impact

And Foley believes Catt will remain as influential as ever.

"Mike is a great leader and a wonderful mentor for the younger players and will have a large role to play in the future success of this club," he said.

"Aside from what Mike brings individually, his impact on the entire team is always extremely positive.

"He provides a key leadership figure from a coaching point of view and the challenge is there for him to help develop some of the younger players within the club."


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