World Cup-winning England head coach John Mitchell will spend time with Gloucester through November to support the Premiership club’s defensive development. Mitchell, who led the Red Roses to World Cup success in September, brings a long coaching CV that includes two years as All Blacks head coach and spells as forwards and defence coach with the England men’s side.
Gloucester said the 61-year-old will not be engaged as a consultant and will work unpaid, helping the club’s backroom staff and younger coaches develop their defensive identity. The club described his presence as an opportunity for the coaching group to learn from one of the game’s most experienced minds.
Mitchell’s brief with Gloucester will centre on improving tackle and collision effectiveness as part of the team’s overall defensive development.
Gloucester are seeking an upturn in form after losing their opening five Premiership matches this season and conceding 190 points, only bottom club Newcastle having allowed more. Mitchell was named World Rugby Coach of the Year after England’s World Cup victory and earlier helped England’s women secure a fourth consecutive Six Nations Grand Slam.
His background also includes a 1990s spell as Sale Sharks head coach and roles across the United States, Australia, South Africa and Japan. Gloucester face Bath in the Premiership Rugby Cup on Friday 14 November and return to league action at home to Harlequins on Saturday 29 November.
