England women’s head coach John Mitchell was coaching top-level rugby before 10 of his World Cup semi-final starting XV were born.
Since taking over as Ireland forwards coach in 1996, the New Zealander is in his 16th official coaching role.
Mitchell, 61, boasts an impressive CV that includes two stints with the England men’s team and a World Cup as head coach of the All Blacks.
He has also held positions across the globe in South Africa, Australia, the United States and Japan, with his longest tenure coming at Super Rugby side Western Force between 2006 and 2010.
Victory on Saturday at a sold-out Twickenham could become his greatest achievement yet, as he takes charge of the Red Roses in the Women’s Rugby World Cup final against Canada.
A handy back-rower, Mitchell’s playing career was the opposite of his coaching journey. He made over 100 appearances across 10 years for New Zealand provincial side Waikato but never reached Test level.
During his time at Waikato, Mitchell also played a season in the All-Ireland League for Limerick-based Garryowen.
His return to Ireland in 1996, to work under fellow New Zealander Murray Kidd, who he had played for at Garryowen, marked the beginning of his coaching ascent.
An opportunity arose the following season to take charge of Sale Sharks and he moved to England for the first time.
By 1997 Mitchell was in the England camp, specialising in defence under the leadership of Sir Clive Woodward.
“He is a man that expects commitment. If you are committed to the team and him as a coach then he’ll give you everything back,” former England full-back Matt Perry recalled.
“Being a proud Kiwi coaching England, the drills were challenging and brutal and you had to have the right mindset.
“With defence you don’t have to be angry but on your mettle at all times and really want to make tackles. He certainly made us aware of his principles and practices.”
England’s infamous 1998 ‘Tour of Hell’ is best remembered for a record 76-0 defeat by Australia.
Perry played at outside centre that day, with Jonny Wilkinson starting at fly-half for the first time.
With several key players injured or unavailable, it was an inexperienced squad that lost four Tests in Australia, New Zealand, and South Africa.
Yet it proved a pivotal turning point, as many from that group went on to become world champions in 2003.
Mitchell left the England set-up in 2000 – a decision he did not agree with, but accepted.
“John Mitchell was a massive part of why England won the World Cup without a doubt,” said Perry, who won the last of his international caps in 2006.
“He created a steel within the side that you saw shone through.”
