John Mitchell joins Eddie Jones in committing to England post World Cup

England men's defence coach John Mitchell will stay on in his position until 2021, as the RFU also announced head coach Eddie Jones' intention of seeing out the remaining two years of his own contract.

A number of reports have suggested that Jones will leave England after the Rugby World Cup in Japan but RFU CEO, Bill Sweeney has responded saying: "We have extended John's contract consistent with Eddie's, so it goes through to June 2021, Eddie has reconfirmed his commitment to stay through to 2021.

The vastly-experienced Mitchell was an England assistant coach between 1997 and 2000 under Sir Clive Woodward for 33 Tests, and was appointed defence coach in September 2018.

"I am delighted and privileged to be recommitting to England Rugby until 2021," said Mitchell. "This is the right decision for me especially given the RFU's investment in me over the last year and what I have been able to add and learn so far, and will continue to do in the future."

Since his involvement with the senior side, England have won six, drawn one and lost two Tests, conceding an average of 17 points a game.

"The focus is on the World Cup and then making sure we get our plans in place post World Cup. We've already started conversations of what the coaching structure will look like coming back from Japan, and Eddie has a number of names in the frame."  RFU CEO, Bill Sweeney said

"We haven't approached them yet, and we wouldn't contract anyone pre-World Cup, but he has in mind how he would like to structure that when back from Japan."