England great Catt says 'good guy' Prince Harry a boon for rugby / Photo: Jonathan Brady - POOL/AFP
England great Catt says 'good guy' Prince Harry a boon for rugby
England great Mike Catt said "good guy" Prince Harry's decision to attend a Super Rugby match on his Australia visit Friday was a "huge benefit" for the sport.
Royalty will descend on Sydney Football Stadium when the prince and his wife Meghan Markle watch the NSW Waratahs play Moana Pasifika.
Catt, assistant coach at the 'Tahs, has known Harry since he was a young child, spending time with him at the 2003 and 2007 World Cups.
The prince joined in the celebrations as he followed England's 2003 World Cup-winning side across Australia and was also present during their run to the final in France four years later.
"I've known Harry for a long time," said Catt, who played in both finals.
"He was involved with the England set-up when (coach) Clive Woodward was there, so from really early doors. I think I met him first as a five-year-old or something like that.
"And he was always involved with all of Clive Woodward's era. When we won the World Cup in 2007, he was out with us.
"He genuinely loves his rugby. I'm not sure about Meghan, but I know Harry definitely loves his rugby," he added.
"Good guy and it's great for the game, to be honest, for us to have people like him, royalty coming in, is a huge benefit for us."
The couple are expected to go into the changing rooms of both teams after the game, setting up a reunion with Catt.
"I think some of the boys are pretty excited to meet him, or meet Meghan, one of the two," he said, while jokingly adding: "As long as he behaves himself, then he can come down."
Asked about his recollections of celebrating with the young prince in 2003, Catt said: "He's a good guy, he loves fun.
"It's just good for him to switch off and and be part of it (the rugby). It will be nice to catch up with him again," he added.
The couple are on a four-day Australia visit to attend business and charity events.
F.Bellezza--LDdC
