Former All Blacks coach John Mitchell takes charge of US Eagles
Tuesday 5 January 2016 10:19, UK
Former All Blacks coach John Mitchell has signed a four-year contract to become the new head coach of the US Eagles.
The 51-year-old Mitchell became the youngest New Zealand coach ever when he took over the team in 2001 and led them to a third-place finish at the 2003 World Cup before losing his job.
Prior to that, Mitchell served as a forwards coach for both Ireland and England, where he is credited with helping build the England forward pack that won the 2003 World Cup.
He also coached his home town Waikato Chiefs and the Western Force in Super Rugby as well as the Lions in South Africa and Sale in England.
Mitchell, who has signed a contract through to the World Cup in Japan that year, replaces Mike Tolkin as Eagles head coach.
Tolkin led the side at last year's World Cup where they failed to win a game in a group containing South Africa, Scotland, Japan and Samoa.
In an interview released by USA Rugby, Mitchell said: "I'm excited about putting my strengths into play and building on the solid work laid down in the last World Cup cycle.
"I see this as a wonderful opportunity to play a key part in inspiring, mentoring, creating confidence and stability in transforming USA rugby into a strong, globally competitive unit by the end of 2019."
Mitchell's first game in charge will be against Argentina on February 6 in Houston in the Americas Rugby Championship.
With the U.S. beginning its first professional league starting this year, Mitchell takes the job at an important time for the nation and he revealed one of his primary goals is to widen the player talent pool.
Mitchell feels the Eagles have plenty to work on as they build towards the 2019 World Cup and is keen to secure more matches against top-tier opposition to help speed the process along.
Speaking of the Eagles' performances at the 2015 World Cup, Mitchell said: "They struggled to get back on structure and get into shape from chaos.
"They often denied themselves opportunities to put pressure on the opposition as a result of this.
"Plenty of good stuff though that will become even better when the players understand their structures and own it."
