Gets new deal at Worcester

Former Edinburgh coach Alan Solomons has signed a new deal as Worcester Warriors director of rugby, committing himself to the English Premiership club until the end of the 2021-22 season.

The 68-year-old former South Africa assistant coach’s contract was due to expire at the end of the 2019-20 campaign but he has been given a two-year extension.

The news emerged the day after club co-owner Jed Mccrory quit, leaving Colin Goldring and Jason Whittingham in charge.

Solomons, who was in charge of Edinburgh between 2013 and 2016, leading them to the European Challenge Cup final in 2015, said: “I am honoured to be afforded the privilege of being part of Warriors’ continuing journey.” Meanwhile, John Mitchell has committed his long-term future to England, signing a new two-year contract. New chief executive Bill Sweeney confirmed defence coach Mitchell has extended his Rugby Football Union (RFU) contract to fall into line with head coach Eddie Jones.

Sweeney admitted it is possible that boss Jones and assistant Mitchell could stay with England beyond their 2021 contracts.

“We have extended John Mitchell’s contract through to be consistent with Eddie’s, so it goes through to June of 2021,” said Sweeney.

“That was in full consultation with Eddie. He and I spoke about it about five, six weeks ago maybe.

“It is part of Eddie’s longterm coaching structure plans. So we entered into negotiations with John, he is keen to stay and we concluded the agreement about three weeks ago.

“He is contracted now through to June 2021.”

Current Wales and 2021 British and Irish Lions coach Warren Gatland has ruled himself “categorically” out of joining England in the future as the search for Jones’ long-term successor appears on the backburner.