After 174 games, James Catt (the much respected hard man of Blackheath Rugby) played for the last time yesterday, hanging up his boots after first wearing Club colours in the 2008/09 season.
Catty’s strength of play on the pitch is hugely admired by his team mates: “A top bloke, and one of the hardest rugby players I know,” says Tom Stradwick. “He carries unbelievably hard and is so strong – he must be a nightmare to play against!” A few of the reasons why he was also picked to play for Kent.
That respect and admiration was reflected in 2020’s ‘Club Team of the Decade’, when the number 8 position was given to him in both in both the Exec’s choice and the People’s choice – a genuine reflection of how much he is admired by his team mates, the club, our members and our supporters. When speaking about that honour in 2020, Catty mentioned that his favourite memory was the 2011/12 season, due to the turnaround of fortune and finishing the season with a run of 11 wins. Hopefully the 2022/23 season has now eclipsed that one!
James Shanahan says “James Catt – the ‘Barrell’. Catty doesn’t say much, he leaves all his actions on the field. A hard man. Someone who has been a huge part of the Club for over 10 years, with his 174th game away to Dorking. He’s a lot younger than he looks 
. He came back last year in an away game against Sale, after not playing for over a year due to injuries and Covid. He played 80 mins against one of the best teams in the league. That’s the class of the man. A warrior. If you go to war, take Catty. He will be missed, but he’s said he’s always happy to help out if needed. So maybe it’s 174 not out..!”.
. He came back last year in an away game against Sale, after not playing for over a year due to injuries and Covid. He played 80 mins against one of the best teams in the league. That’s the class of the man. A warrior. If you go to war, take Catty. He will be missed, but he’s said he’s always happy to help out if needed. So maybe it’s 174 not out..!”.Thank you, James, for all your years of service at The Club – enjoy spending more time with your family and friends, and we look forward to welcoming you back as a supporter next season.
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