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Ending weeks of negotiations, England have formally confirmed the hiring of John Mitchell as their new Defense Coach. The former New Zealand All Blacks and US Eagles Head Coach has signed a deal to join Eddie Jones on staff through to the 2019 World Cup.
Mitchell, 54, took over as Eagles head coach following the 2015 World Cup and oversaw both the 2017 Americas Rugby Championship victory and World Cup Qualification in the Americas 1 series against Canada. He then returned for a third stint in South Africa, this time in Pretoria with the Blue Bulls.
He leaves his Super Rugby contract with immediate effect, the RFU reportedly paying £200,000 in compensation to secure his release. Mitchell replaces Paul Gustard in the England setup with the latter taking over Head Coach duties at Harlequins.
This will be the second time Mitchell has coached England. The New Zealander was Forwards Coach for three years under Clive Woodward starting in 1997. At the same time Mitchell was in charge at Sale Sharks following his retirement as a player in 1995.
