John Mitchell joins Wasps backroom staff

John Mitchell has vacated his role as the England defence coach and will be joining the Wasps coaching staff.

The Premiership club confirmed the news on Friday with the following statement:

'Wasps are delighted to announce that John Mitchell, currently part of England Men’s senior backroom staff, will be joining the Men’s team coaching set up.  

The former Head Coach of the All Blacks has signed a contract with the Club that will see him link up with the squad this season.  

Mitchell, England’s Forwards Coach under Sir Clive Woodward from 1997 to 2000, re-joins Wasps having spent time with the Club as an Assistant Coach during the 1999/2000 season.  

The 57-year-old’s impressive résumé also includes being United States Head Coach from 2016 to 2017 and two stints coaching Sale Sharks. Mitchell has been in charge of England’s Defence since September 2018.  

Men’s Head Coach Lee Blackett said: “We are thrilled to add John to the coaching group for this season. He brings a wealth of knowledge and will only improve our playing department. 

“Once we knew John was available, we prioritised getting him back to Wasps.  

“Finding somebody of John’s calibre at both an international and domestic level is rare. He fits the profile we have been looking for, adding to our talented group of coaches.  

“John’s primary role will be to lead the attack, but his breadth of top-level experience will see him assist on a number of levels. He understands Wasps having worked here before and his passion for the club and improving our players shone through from the start. 

“The support from the board in making this happen demonstrates the ambition of this club.”