England assistant coach John Mitchell to join Wasps ahead of 2021/22 season
John Mitchell previously worked with Wasps in the 1999/2000 season
©PA
Wasps have announced that England assistant coach John Mitchell will join the backroom staff of the Gallagher Premiership ahead of the 2021/22 season.
Mitchell joined England as an assistant coach in 2018 and was head coach of New Zealand between 2001 and 2003 while also being in charge of the United States from 2016 to 2017. He also had a couple of stints with Sale Sharks apart from being forwards coach of Ireland in 1996 and England between 1997 and 2000.
The 57-year-old will rejoin Wasps after being part of them during the 1999/2000 season and will be part of the backroom staff that already has head coach Lee Blackett and skills coach Ed Robinson.
“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.”
Head coach Blackett is thrilled to have the services of Mitchell for the new season.
“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.”
