Catt call convinced Geraghty

England have Mike Catt to thank for securing them the services of Shane Geraghty.

England have Mike Catt to thank for securing them the services of highly-rated fly-half Shane Geraghty.

Geraghty has been included in Brian Ashton's first squad as England coach, however it could have been so different for the London Irish No.10.

With his parents born in Ireland and having represented the country at Under-16s level, Geraghty could easily have been pulling on an emerald green jersey for this season's Six Nations.

The Coventry-born Geraghty may have gone on to play for the England Under-18s, 19s and 20s, but the Irish selectors refused to give up hope of tempting him to switch sides.

And with current Ireland fly-half Ronan O'Gara entering the twilight of his career, Geraghty was approached just a few months ago about the possibility of returning to the land of his parents.

However, following talks with his London Irish team-mate Mike Catt - someone who know one or two things about switching allegiances having been born and bred in South Africa but capped for England - Geraghty decided to reject Ireland's advances.

The 20-year-old told The Independent: "I thought about it long and hard.

"There was a big choice to be made, one that would shape the rest of my rugby career, so I sought advice from the people I respect.

"One of them was Mike Catt, an inspirational figure for me for as long as I can remember. He said, 'Look, you're very young. Young people want it all, and they want it now. But be patient, think it through very carefully and don't jump until you're sure'.

"I took his advice and chose England. I'm as certain as I can be that I've done the right thing."