Mike Catt swaps Sydney for Fiji to join evolving Drua coaching ticket

The Fijian Drua’s new coaching staff is continuing to come together, with 2003 Rugby World Cup winner Mike Catt joining newly appointed head coach Brad Mooar’s ticket in Nadi.

The former England star has spent the last two seasons under Dan McKellar at the Waratahs, and brings his experience as an attack coach with England, Italy and Ireland to one of the world’s most talented attacking rugby nations for the 2027 season.

Speaking on the next chapter in his storied journey, Catt said the chance to contribute to Fijian rugby is a special opportunity.

“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 enthused after being unveiled as the Drua’s senior assistant coach.

“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. 

“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 Drua have ended each of their two recent seasons in 10th place out of the formerly 11-team field in Super Rugby Pacific, having made the playoffs in the two prior seasons, 2023 and 2024, but falling short in both quarter-finals as the seventh seed.

Head coach Glen Jackson called time on his coaching tenure with the team following the most recent campaign, beginning a new era in the coaches’ box, led by former All Blacks and Scotland assistant Mooar.

Fijian Drua CEO Jeff Miller was confident that the recent coaching appointments will breathe new life into 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!”