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After a long wait, USA Rugby has announced John Mitchell as the new Head Coach of the Eagles. Mitchell, who signed through the 2019 Rugby World Cup, replaces Mike Tolkin who was forced to re-apply for his position following a winless World Cup campaign. Despite given the opportunity to challenge for his position, it was widely expected that USA Rugby would appoint a new Head Coach. Mitchell takes over the Eagles at a pivotal time. The squad has more professionals that at any time in team history and the USA is on the verge of launching a professional competition.
Mitchell comes to the Eagles with a long resume that has seen a bit of controversy. After a stellar playing career with Waikato, Mitchell transitioned into coaching and spent time in England, New Zealand, and South Africa. Mitchell quickly rose through the ranks and was appointed All Blacks Head Coach in 2001 only losing two games before being dropped following the All Blacks’ 3rd place finish at the 2003 World Cup.
“I am excited about putting my strengths into play and taking on this role to transform USA Rugby into a stronger unit by the end of 2019,” said Mitchell in a release from USA Rugby. “For me personally, this is a very powerful nation that has an immense audience for this amazing sport.”
Mitchell needs to hit the ground running as the inaugural Americas Rugby Championship is just over a month away. He’ll need to settle on a squad that should be without it’s top overseas players. Squads like Chile, Brazil, and Uruguay shouldn’t pose a threat to a full strength USA team, but with mostly domestic players it shouldn’t be a cake walk either. Getting off on the right foot with a winning ARC campaign is a must for Mitchell. Looming over that is the start of the first PRO Rugby season and what could turn into issues over player availability coming off of the ARC.
The majority of the playing squad that went to the 2015 World Cup should be available for the 2019 rendition. The younger players in the squad should be hitting their prime. The USA has failed to win more than one match at any World Cup and is repeatedly tagged with the dreaded “potential” tag. Changing that moniker and culture that currently surrounds the Eagles squad will define Mitchell’s tenure.
