Mitchell takes over at UKZN
Former All Blacks, Western Force and Lions coach John Mitchell has been appointed Director of Rugby at the University of KwaZulu-Natal.
Mitchell will oversee the rugby coaching, fitness and medical staff on the UKZN campuses, as well as coaching and preparing the UKZN Impi team for the Varsity Shield.
An ecstatic Dr Sibusiso Chalufu, Executive Director Student Services at UKZN said: "The University is honoured to have secured the services of a coach and mentor of John Mitchell's standing. I believe our students and coaches stand to benefit tremendously from working with him."
Speaking from Durban, Mitchell sounded excited about his new role.
"KZN is my home now and I am passionate about rugby. I believe I am in a position in life to impart knowledge and pass on my vast experience to serve and work with our people. I look forward to leading, nurturing, teaching, and inspiring young students in an important time in their lives.
"This is about building on what has already been done and taking our rugby programme to another level without losing the fun aspect of what student life should be about. UKZN has a proud rugby heritage dating back more than a hundred years.
"The UKZN Rugby programme has produced four Springbok Test captains and three World Cup winners, and it is my aim to get the students challenging for top honours in the Moor Cup. I also look forward to experiencing the Varsity Shield vibe first hand, and to getting the Impi competing in the top tier of Varsity Rugby," he added.