John Mitchell named Japan's assistant coach

Wasps Attack Coach John Mitchell will link up with Japan as their Defence Coach in May as they prepare for the Rugby World Cup in 2023.

Mitchell, who joined Wasps last summer, will continue his coaching duties with Wasps whilst supporting the Japanese national team.  

The former Head Coach of the All Blacks from 2001-2003 served as England’s Defence Coach from 2018 till 2021.

Mitchell, England’s Forwards Coach under Sir Clive Woodward from 1997 to 2000, re-joined Wasps having spent time with the Club as an Assistant Coach during the 1999/2000 season.

The 57-year-old’s impressive résumé also includes being United States Head Coach from 2016 to 2017, a stint coaching Sale Sharks from 1996-1999 before becoming Western Force’s inaugural coach from 2005-2010 and coaching the Golden Lions to Currie Cup success in 2011.

Mitchell said: “I would like to thank Lee and the Club for their co-operation in allowing me to combine this role with the work I’m already doing at Wasps.”

“This is a great opportunity to add value to Japan winning test matches through them loving their defence and understanding how it plays a critical part in the way we want to attack.”

“I am grateful to be working with Jamie Joseph, Tony Brown, Scott Hansen, Shin Hasegawa and the outstanding coaching group preparing for the RWC 2023 in France.”