PRETORIA – Blue Bulls Super Rugby coach John Mitchell has penned a deal to join England as defence coach.
Mitchell has been released from the Bulls for a fee of between R2.9m and R4.4m.
The former All Blacks coach, appointed as the Bulls head coach in May last year, will be brought swiftly into action for England as they begin their preparation for the 2019 Rugby World Cup.
Rumours also seem to suggest that Mitchell could replace England coach Eddie Jones after the quadrennial showpiece.
For the Bulls, the speculation is that former Springbok lock Victor Matfield could be in the running for the new position of coach.
Mitchell has been released from the Bulls for a multi-million rand fee. Photo: Gavin Barker/BackpagePix
Under the leadership of Mitchell, the Bulls finished in a lowly 12th position in this year’s Super Rugby competition.
The 54-year-old has a wealth of coaching experience to his name, dating back to 1996, including stints as forwards coach for Ireland and England.
Mitchell was also coach of the Lions in 2011 and 2012, before moving to Sale Sharks as director of rugby.