England assistant coach John Mitchell is apparently set to sign a new two-year deal with the Red Roses according to the Telegraph.
Mitchell’s future has been under speculation along with most of the England coaching staff with most expected to part ways with national side after the World Cup in Japan later this year.
Head coach Eddie Jones has signed a new two-year extension which will see him continue until 2021, but it rumoured now that defence coach Mitchell is in line to become Jones’ successor.
It was thought that Mitchell and other assistant coach Neal Hatley were to leave after the World Cup, with the latter looking set for a return to Bath as their new forwards coach.
If Mitchell does sign on the other possibility being discussed is a potential role with the British & Irish Lions with previous defence coach Andy Farrell likely to be occupied by Ireland duty as head coach.
The belief is that Mitchell has helped the development of star youngsters Maro Itoje and Tom Curry among others and it would be ideal for the country for him to continue developing them.
The only one of the coaching group to commit to the RFU so far is Steve Borthwick. The former Bath and Saracens forward has a long-term deal with the RFU and now we will have to see if he is joined by Mitchell.
