John Mitchell targets England glory after signing new deal to stay on as Eddie Jones’ No 2

John Mitchell has set his sights on global glory with England after signing a new contract to continue as Eddie Jones’s senior assistant coach until after the next World Cup.

The Kiwi prematurely ended his previous stint in the set-up under Sir Clive Woodward and was soon in charge of the All Blacks, meaning he missed out on the 2003 triumph.

This time, he has no intention of leaving before helping England to achieve their ambition. ‘It was a pretty easy decision,’ said Mitchell on Tuesday, after the RFU announced he had agreed terms on an extended deal. 

England defence coach John Mitchell has signed a contract extension beyond 2023 World Cup

‘We have a big goal of winning in 2023. When I was here 20 years ago, I had the chance to stay on and I went back to New Zealand — probably too early. But the reason was to take the children back to their grandparents. It was a tough call.

‘After the 1999 World Cup, we went on to win the first ever Six Nations. Woody asked me if I would stay, but I’d already committed to travel, so I embarked back to New Zealand.

‘That’s the fate of choices, isn’t it? This time, it just feels right to continue. This side have so much more potential. I don’t think we realise how much better we can get. It excites me.’

Mitchell spoke of trying to bring a ‘down-to-earth approach’ to his influential work — having previously earned a reputation as an intense, aggressive figure.

He has mellowed and added: ‘I’m pretty happy to be laughed at from time to time. I have probably demonstrated I can evolve.’