John Mitchell has held elite level coaching positions in the men's game in England, Australia, South Africa and New Zealand. Credit: PA/Mike Egerton
John Mitchell, New England women's head coach, insists he is «no Eddie Jones» and is «absolutely» committed to leading England to the 2025 World Cup.
Mitchell, who served as Japan's defense coach at this year's FIFA Men's World Cup in France, takes over from former Red Roses head coach Simon Middleton after being appointed to the role by the Rugby Football Union in May.
He formally began his role in October at the WXV tournament in New Zealand, where he spent most of his time observing the group backstage.
Speaking for the first time about his new role, Mitchell, whose contract with the RFU runs beyond the 2025 World Cup in England, insisted he is fully behind the world No. 1 team as they prepare for a major home tournament.
When asked if he would be tempted by a more prominent coaching role in the men's game if the opportunity arose, Mitchell replied: «I'm not Eddie Jones [who quit his job in Australia after failing to reach the World Cup knockout stages] . It just won't happen.”
Mitchell served as England men's defense coach under former coach Jones in 2018, but abruptly left the position in July 2021, just months after signing a contract extension.
The 59-year-old has always denied there was a rift between him and Jones after the Australian refused to give him permission to watch his son Daryl, a New Zealand international cricketer, play for Middlesex at the weekend .
“How can we remain above the rest?”
Mitchell, whose coaching resume includes stints in Australia, South Africa and New Zealand, led the All Blacks to third place at the 2003 World Cup, but his role with the Red Roses is his first stint in women's rugby.
He admitted he was inspired to apply for the job after watching the Red Roses at last year's Women's World Cup, where England lost 34-31 to hosts New Zealand at Eden Stadium. Park.
“It was always my responsibility to lead the program again,” he said. “They are an amazing team with a winning mentality. That got me really excited and also the fact that they are the No. 1 team in the world. How can we maintain that and stay above the rest?
“For me, with the exponential growth and focus on women's sport, it's a big challenge because other teams will get better. We need to stay above them. This is what really excites me.
“I have had failures and successes and have lived with many girls in my time. I wouldn't be a coach here if I wasn't willing to learn. This is my strength, and I am ready to learn a lot about the physiological and psychological advantages of girls.»
The Red Roses went on a 30-game winning streak before losing to the overbearing Black Ferns, coached by former New Zealand head coach Wayne Smith. As the best team in the world, the Red Roses have already qualified for the 2025 women's rugby competition, which is expected to be the most watched Women's World Cup in history.
“We are not great, we have to host another one step'
With matches being played across the country, including Sunderland, Brighton and Bristol, Mitchell said the Red Roses had the potential to capture the hearts of the nation.
“They have personality,” he said «Whoever was the genius who once called them the Red Roses, I think it's fantastic. They have a winning mentality. They've already created a legacy in terms of the number of games they've won.
“They’ve won World Cups and lost World Cups before. But there are also different heritages within the team.”
England will be among the favorites in 2025 when they attempt to reclaim the World Cup crown they last won in 2014.< /p>
Following England's triumph at the WXV, Mitchell, who will be tasked with helping to overcome the psychological scars caused by back-to-back World Cup final defeats to the Black Ferns, said he was delighted to host England. to the next level.
“We're not very good,” Mitchell said when asked to assess where the Red Roses are at. “We're not phenomenal; We're doing very well. We have an opportunity to take it one step further, and it will force people to change their thinking.
“They are going to be challenged in this area, and of course I am. I think collectively keep going and get better, and individually make sure we allow girls to authentically represent themselves and their community throughout England.»
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