Mike Catt ends stint with Waratahs after two seasons

Mike Catt has left the Waratahs by “mutual consent” after two seasons overseeing the team’s attack.

The 2003 Rugby World Cup winner left his role as Ireland attack coach and returned to the scene of his ’03 triumph in late 2024 when he joined Dan McKellar’s Waratahs staff.

The 75-Test England international has since contributed to two eighth-placed finishes for the Sydney-based club, with the team’s points-scoring ability improving in both seasons.

The Waratahs’ Director of High Performance, B-J Mather, thanked Catt for his efforts at the club as he departs with immediate effect.

“Mike has made a significant contribution to the Waratahs since joining, and on behalf of everyone at the club, I would like to thank him for his efforts and professionalism during this time,” Mather said.

“He has not only brought extensive international experience, but also a strong commitment to helping both players and coaches improve at the Waratahs.

“We wish Mike well in the next chapter of his coaching career and wish him and his family all the best for the future.”

The process to appoint Catt’s successor has begun, with pressure on the remaining Waratahs coaches after another campaign that fell short of expectations.

McKellar remains confident he’ll be the man leading the charge in 2027.

“You’ve just got to roll with the punches,” McKellar said last week after his side’s season came to an end with a 31-25 defeat to the Force.

“Times like this make the good times feel even better, and they’ll come. We’ve got a group here that are buying into what we want to do. Nothing changes from my end.

“I’m in this for the long haul, and we’ll enjoy a beer together and reflect on the season, and then I’ll quickly get to work around turning things around for ’27.”