BBC SPORT | RUGBY SPECIAL | Catt calls for end to play-offs

Bath and England fly-half Mike Catt believes the Zurich Premiership play-offs are a waste of time and should be scrapped.

Catt, currently recuperating after a shoulder operation, believes the extra games are a step too far for players who need a break at the end of the season.

"I think it's one competition too many," he said on Rugby Special.

A lot of the players are absolutely shattered

Mike Catt

"You've got the Heineken Cup and an improved Parker Pen Shield, so I think we should scrap the play-offs."

Catt reached the final of the play-off's last season, losing to 22-10 to Leicester, who went on to win the European Cup.

Despite the chance of silverware, the 30-year-old believes the organisers should take into account the effect these extra games have on players.

Dallaglio injured his knee during the semi-final against Bath at Loftus Road
Dallaglio leaves the field in the 2001 play-off semi with Bath

Both Catt and fellow British Lion Lawrence Dallaglio dropped out of the 2001 tour as a result of injuries sustained in the play-offs.

"There are a lot of tired people out there, to be dead honest," Catt said.

"The likes of Jonny Wilkinson and all the other guys who went on the Lions tour need a break."

He added: "A lot of the players are absolutely shattered and we just can't keep on going like this."


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