Ex-Lions, Bulls coach Mitchell joins Japan as defence coach

Former Lions and Bulls coach John Mitchell, who recently left Eddie Jones' England coaching staff, has joined Japan as defence coach.

The Kiwi denied that he fell out with Jones after abruptly quitting the same post in the England setup last July because he "just wanted to get out of international rugby". He then joined Wasps as attack coach.

The well-travelled former All Blacks head coach took the Lions to the 2011 Currie Cup title and took over the Bulls for a season between 2017 and 2018 before leaving the Pretoria side in the lurch for the England gig.

Mitchell has also coached the USA national team as well as British side Sale Sharks.

Japan Rugby announced on Thursday that the 57-year-old would join Brave Blossoms head coach Jamie Joseph's coaching team, which includes other New Zealanders Tony Brown and Scott Hansen.

"This is a great opportunity to add value to Japan winning test matches through growing their defence and understanding how it plays a critical part in the way we want to attack," Mitchell said.

"I am grateful to be working with Jamie Joseph, Tony Brown, Scott Hansen, Shin Hasegawa and the outstanding coaching group preparing for the Rugby World Cup 2023 in France.

"I would also like to thank Wasps for their support and co-operation in allowing me this opportunity."