CONFIRMED: Mitchell commits to England
UPDATE: There has been plenty of speculation over England’s post-Rugby World Cup coaching group in recent months, with only Steve Borthwick, of the assistant coaches, contracted long-term to the RFU.
Head coach Eddie Jones signed a two-year extension to his deal, which will see him continue his role through to 2021, while England search for his successor.
According to Rugbypass, Mitchell’s new deal could potentially keep him in the frame to replace Jones as head coach, or even feature on the British and Irish Lions coaching staff, with the previous incumbent Andy Farrell likely to be busy in his role as Ireland’s head coach.
Borthwick will also likely be in the running for the position, with the former Bath and Saracens forward having been mentored by Jones throughout his coaching career so far.
Commenting on the contract extension, Mitchell said: “I am delighted and privileged to be recommitting to England Rugby until 2021.
“This is the right decision for me especially given the RFU’s investment in me over the last year and what I have been able to add and learn so far, and will continue to do in the future.”
Mitchell’s acquisition by England was treated with a fair amount of scepticism when first announced, thanks in part due to the long list of clubs and unions Mitchell had worked at, many for short tenures. But his influence on the England defence, which has become more predatory and opportunistic, has helped the side turn around following their 2017/18 dip in form.
Having coached the USA, Bulls and England all within the last three years, it looks as if Mitchell will remain in one place for the next few years and continue to contribute to the rises of Maro Itoje, Tom Curry and England’s other emerging stars, as the team improves their ability to force turnovers and counter-attack on the transition.
“We have extended John’s contract consistent with Eddie’s, so it goes through to June 2021,” said RFU CEO, Bill Sweeney. “Eddie has reconfirmed his commitment to stay through to 2021.
“The focus is on the World Cup and then making sure we get our plans in place post World Cup. We’ve already started conversations of what the coaching structure will look like coming back from Japan, and Eddie has a number of names in the frame.
“We haven’t approached them yet, and we wouldn’t contract anyone pre-World Cup, but he has in mind how he would like to structure that when back from Japan.”
Additional Source: Rugbypass
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