John Mitchell

John Mitchell is one of the most dynamic coaches in world rugby who has over three decades of experience at international level. He has one of the most impressive coaching CVs in the modern game having held senior international coaching roles across England, New Zealand, Japan, Ireland and the USA, along with domestic roles in South Africa and Australia.

In 2025, he was Head Coach of the Red Roses as they won the Rugby World Cup on home soil, cementing the side as one of the most dominant teams in sporting history. As a result of the Red Roses’ historic 33-game unbeaten run, John was named World Rugby Coach of the Year for 2025. He also worked as defence coach of the England team who reached the 2019 Rugby World Cup Final and was Head Coach of the All Blacks as they reached the semi-final of the 2003 Rugby World Cup.

Away from rugby, John has a wealth of experience at the executive level across a range of companies and industries. John worked for over 10 years as a quantity surveyor at a number of reputable construction companies in New Zealand. Whilst in South Africa coaching, he was appointed CEO of Egli Packaging Machinery and oversaw historic growth for the company, tripling their operating revenue in the years he was CEO.