John Mitchell breaks silence on link to non-England Test job

John Mitchell would be open to taking charge of the inaugural British and Irish Lions women’s tour to New Zealand in 2027.

Mitchell has become a front-runner for the role after masterminding England’s first World Cup triumph since 2014 following a 33-13 victory over Canada at Allianz Stadium on Saturday.

The Lions are to play three Tests against Mitchell’s native New Zealand, as well as some tour games, with their squad likely to be dominated by the Red Roses.

“If that ever did come along then it’s definitely something I would consider,” Mitchell said.

“The Lions is a huge honour. It will be the first ever women’s Lions as well. I can still remember as a kid at high school when I met the 1977 Lions in assembly.

“They have always been a part of my life. I would get up in the early hours of the morning to watch them, or they have come to my country when I was living in New Zealand and you understand how they play an important part in our rugby.”

Mitchell is contracted to lead England through the next Six Nations and he would be open to extending his stay until the next World Cup in 2029 if the circumstances are right.

“I love the job and I would love to do it again, but I also have to consider a lot of things. I have firstly got to do a Six Nations,” he said.

“I have to link up with the players in November and make sure that physically and rugby-wise they are focusing on the right things.

“In January we need to go on a road trip and check out every girl’s ‘why’ and their goals for the next cycle. That is really important to understand who we are going to invest in for the next cycle.

“We will have to consider girls who will focus on the Lions as well. We have to make sure the Lions don’t get in the way of our four-year cycle.

“There are a whole load of factors that I need to understand first before you get a 100 per cent from me.”