John Mitchell has formally been announced as the coach for the new Western Australia Super 14 franchise based at Perth. In what was one of the worst kept secrets

The actual name of the team has not yet been released and they have yet to sign any players. However it is expected that a major signing will be named in the coming weeks.

Mitchell was an assistant to England coach Clive Woodward from 1997 to 2000. He returned to New Zealand to become coach of the Chiefs.

Then he was selected to coach the All Blacks in 2002 and 2003. Mitchell coached the All Blacks to the 2003 Rugby World Cup. However the loss to Australia in the semi-final meant that he had to apply for his job again. Despite winning 86% of as All Black coach he lost out to Graham Henry.

Mitchell then returned to Waikato to coach the NPC side in 2004.

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