Former England prop Nathan Catt has landed a new role with the England set-up ahead of next month’s clash with Argentina XV.
The 38-year-old has been named scrum coach for England A as Mark Mapletoft finalises his backroom team for the opening game of the 2026/27 programme.
England A will take on Argentina XV at The Rec on November 6, with Catt returning to particularly familiar surroundings.
The former loosehead spent his entire senior playing career with Bath Rugby, making more than 170 appearances across 12 years before moving into coaching.
Catt also represented England at Test level, winning five caps during his playing career.
He has since become England Rugby's pathway scrum coach and has already worked with the A side against Australia A and Spain.
Catt's England ambition
Catt has previously outlined exactly what he wants to achieve in his role developing England's next generation of front-rowers.
Speaking to Talking Rugby Union about his work within the pathway, he said: “For me success, men's side, is ultimately can we get world-class front row players, world-class scrummagers, through the system?”
The former Bath prop also explained that he doesn't view his role as being brought in to simply repair England's scrum.
He added: “I don't see it [the scrum] as a 'fix'. I just see it as how we make players better.”
Catt has also spoken about his passion for the set-piece, admitting after England's success at the 2024 World Rugby U20 Championship that he gets particularly animated when his pack starts dominating.
“I’m on the touchline, I’m dancing around,” he told RugbyPass.
“I love scrums.”
His long-term ambition has remained clear: produce front-rowers capable of eventually making an impact for the senior England side.
England coaching team confirmed
Catt will now oversee the scrum against Argentina XV as part of a coaching group containing several familiar faces.
James Lightfoot Brown will take charge of the attack, with Adam Powell overseeing the defence and James Craig working with the forwards.
Lightfoot Brown, Powell and Craig were all involved during last season's England A fixtures against All Blacks XV, Spain and Ireland XV.
At club level, Lightfoot Brown works with Gloucester Rugby, Powell is part of the Saracens set-up and Craig coaches at Northampton Saints.
Mapletoft said: “It’s always a real privilege to be involved with England ‘A’ and we’ve assembled an exciting coaching group who will bring a great mix of knowledge and experience into the environment.”
He added that Argentina XV would provide “exactly the type of test we want” as players and coaches attempt to push towards the senior England environment.
The game will also represent a homecoming for Catt, who spent his entire senior playing career at The Rec.
England A fixtures 2026/27
- England A vs Argentina XVFriday, November 6, 2026The Recreation Ground, BathKick-off: 7:45pm
- England A vs Ireland XVSaturday, February 20, 2027Sandy Park, ExeterKick-off: 7pm
- England A vs ChileFriday, February 26, 2027Kingsholm, GloucesterKick-off: 7:45pm
