England boss Eddie Jones suffers fresh blow as John Mitchell quits as defence coach just five months after signing new contract to join Wasps
- John Mitchell has quit his role as England’s defence coach and to join Wasps
- Simon Amor was axed as attack coach after the dismal Six Nations campaign
- Eddie Jones has just one senior assistant two years out from the World Cup
John Mitchell is the latest England coach to leave Eddie Jones’ setup with him joining Wasps.
The defence coach only signed a new deal five months ago but now leaves Jones with just one senior assistant coach two years out from the World Cup.
With Simon Amor, the old attack coach, gone after the Six Nations and now New Zealander Mitchell following only scrum coach Matt Proudfoot is left.
Eddie Jones (left) must find a new defence coach after John Mitchell (right) quit to join Wasps
Wasps Head Coach Lee Blackett said: ‘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.
Simon Amor was axed as attack coach after England’s dismal Six Nations campaign
‘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.’
Jones said: ‘I’d like to thank John for his hard work and dedication over the last four years, he will go with the best wishes from everyone in the England team.
‘I am sure he will do a great job in his new role at Wasps.’