|
Name: John Mitchell
Position: Head Coach
Born: 23.03.64, Hawera
Lions Coaching Debut: 2010
Other Coaching Roles: Technical advisor to Ireland – 1995; Fraser Tech (NZ) Head Coach – 1995-1996; Sale (UK) Head Coach – 1996-1999; Wasps (UK) Head Coach – 1999-2000; England Assistant Coach – 1997-2000; Waikato B NPC Head Coach – 2000; Waikato Chiefs Head Coach – 2001-2002; All Blacks Head Coach – 2002-2003; Waikato NPC Head Coach – 2004; Western Force – 2006 – 2010; Lions Head Coach – 2010 and 2011.
Profile Paragraph:
Mitchell is one of only three New Zealanders to have played for, captained and coached the All Blacks. He was the inaugural Head Coach of the Western Force, and after five years with the team, building it from the ground to a successful team in the competition, Mitchell moved to South Africa for a new challenge. He was appointed as Head Coach of the Currie Cup team, but after just a few matches, the team had made such an astounding turn around, that contract negotiations were entered into to ensure a longer period at the Lions. Western Force released Mitchell from his contract one year earlier than expected, and he signed up as Head Coach of both the Lions Super Rugby and Currie Cup teams until 2013. After the Lions won the 2011 Currie Cup for the first time in 61 years at home (half the life of the Currie Cup trophy) and 12 years since the Lions won it , all eyes will be on the team who have made such an improvement in the past 18 months under the leadership of a man of such vast experience.
|
