Catt plays through pain barrier for Exiles

LONDON IRISH director of rugby Brian Smith described Mike Catt as a “special player”, after the England veteran defied a back problem to help the Exiles to a 24-16 Heineken Cup victory over Perpignan yesterday.

The 36-year-old flyhalf was passed fit to play only 90 minutes before the match, after which Smith revealed talks have already started with a view to Catt playing on next season.

“We have to manage him carefully — Catty has only had 40 to 50 minutes training this week,” said Smith.