Wasps boosted by duo swapping roles – boss
We’ve seen little changes and it’s been massively positive that has made us carry on with this. Lee Blackett
FORMER England defence coach John Mitchell now holds that role at Wasps after a mid-season shake-up.
Head coach Lee Blackett revealed that the New Zealander switched responsibilities with Matt Everard, who is now in charge of the attack, ahead of the Premiership Rugby Cup trip to Sale Sharks in March.
Wasps won at the AJ Bell Stadium and backed it up with five more victories before Sunday’s 42-42 draw with London Irish.
Speaking ahead of this weekend’s European Challenge Cup quarterfinal away to Edinburgh, Blackett revealed the change and why it was made.
“When we went into the Premiership Cup, it just felt like we need to make a few changes and rotate some of the staff,” said Blackett, whose side lost three successive league games prior to the cup game.
“John Mitchell has taken hold of the defence, and, I’ve talked about a load of positive things, he’s done really well in terms of that. We trialled it for a week in terms of new ideas, coaches seeing things differently, I asked Matt Everard to do the attack.
“I think ever since, on both fronts, it has been positive. We’ve seen little changes and it’s been massively positive that has made us carry on with this.”
Mitchell, who helped guide England to a Rugby World Cup final in 2019, signed a new contract with
Eddie Jones’ set-up before deciding to leave the role a few months later. His next move was confirmed to be Wasps in July 2021.
“It’s about trying to get the best out of everyone,” Blackett said. “When you’ve got someone of John Mitchell’s calibre, his experience and knowing his expertise was in the defensive and how much knowledge he has there, I thought that was a massive advantage.” Everard, 27 years Mitchell’s junior, retired from playing in his mid-tolate 20s to focus on progressing through the coaching ranks.
The former back row has held multiple roles with the Black and Golds and was integral to helping a number of academy players transition into the first-team, many of whom have gone on to become first-team regulars.
He took over the defensive role from Ian Costello when he moved to Munster last summer.
“The more I see of Matt Everard the more I see a guy who has been around this set-up for a long time and knows what our attack looks like,” added Blackett.
“He knows the players. I couldn’t be more pleased with the way that has gone.
“The way those guys have settled into those different roles. I feel it gets the best out of them as well. In the end, it gets the best out of the team.”
“We trialled seven weeks ago, we won six out of the seven and the draw at the weekend.
“I am not saying that’s the only reason, I think those ideas they have both had in their areas have helped us.”