Bulls, England seal Mitchell deal
IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Former Bulls head coach John Mitchell will start his new job as England’s defence coach on Sunday.
According to Rugbypass, the Bulls have released Mitchell after receiving between R3 Million and R5 Million (NZD$300,000-$450,000) payment from the RFU, a decent sized buyout for an assistant coach.
Mitchell’s surprise appointment means his Bulls stop is yet another short-term stay in his growing list of coaching jobs, where he has a track record of leaving on unceremonious terms.
The New Zealander’s contract was due to only expire at the end of October 2019, however his torrid first Super Rugby season in charge of the Bulls, winning just six of 16 games to finish bottom on the South African Conference, had loads of Bulls’ supporters calling for a premature exit.
Mitchell’s early departure from the Bulls was well documented by rugby365.
In his new role at England, Mitchell will replace Paul Gustard who left for Harlequins following the June Test series against the Springboks.
There are rumours in English rugby circles that Mitchell is being brought in to be the successor to Eddie Jones following the World Cup next year.
With two firebrand personalities in the room, it remains to be seen whether this arrangement can even last til then with the potential to derail England’s World Cup campaign before it even begins.
Mitchell has not held an assistant coaching job since the 90s, where he was England’s forwards coach between 1997 and 2000 under Sir Clive Woodward.
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