Deal to bring in Mitchell ‘being finalised’
RFU closes in on hiring England defence coach Compensation figure thought to be £210,000
The appointment of John Mitchell as England’s defence coach, to replace Paul Gustard, has moved a step closer with reports in South Africa indicating that agreement over release terms with his Super Rugby franchise, Blue Bulls, are in the process of being finalised.
The Rugby Football Union insists that no terms have yet been agreed and dispute the figure of £210,000 that is seen in South Africa as the compromise deal between the initial figures of £50,000 offered as compensation and the £500,000 being sought by the Bulls.
Mitchell has been targeted for the job since it emerged in early August that he was the preferred candidate.
Eddie Jones, the England head coach, has been in the market for someone to take over defensive duties since Gustard assumed the role of director of rugby at Harlequins following the tour to South Africa in June.
Jones will be eager to wrap up all contractual niceties and have Mitchell’s appointment secured before the brief training camp in Bristol towards the end of next month. He is also looking for an attack coach, with Australian Scott Wisemantel having fulfilled those duties in South Africa.
The England squad for the series of internationals in November will be named on Oct 18.
Mitchell, 54, has been at the coaching sharp end for more than 20 years, with Sale and Wasps on these shores, as well as stints at various Super Rugby outfits in Australia and South Africa.
More prominently, he was England forwards coach for three years under Clive Woodward (1997-2000) and subsequently All Blacks coach from 2001-2003.
He was also involved with United States rugby before taking up a position in May with the Bulls, where he managed to achieve six wins in 16 matches.
Defence has never been a particular speciality of Mitchell’s, though Jones will know his capabilities well, as they were on opposite sides of the Tasman divide when he was Australia coach, and from his own intimate knowledge of the game in South Africa.
There is little doubt that Jones believes that the New Zealander’s persona will have an impact on the England dressing room.
The former Waikato back-row forward is known as a hard taskmaster and has had various run-ins down the years over his strident temperament.
With only 12 months to go before the World Cup in Japan, there is little time for any sort of overhaul of England’s defensive systems. Mitchell will have to work quickly to fully acquaint himself with the national side’s playbook as well as the players at his disposal.