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John Mitchell pictured in 2001 during his time as All Blacks coach. INPHO

Former All Blacks coach to take charge of USA team ahead of 2019 Rugby World Cup

John Mitchell has been hired as the new head coach.

FORMER ALL BLACKS coach John Mitchell has been appointed to take charge of the USA rugby side for a four-year spell that will take him up to the 2019 Rugby World Cup.

The decision was announced yesterday by USA Rugby with Mitchell to succeed Mike Tolkin.

The USA lost all four of their games in Pool B in last year’s World Cup to Samoa, Scotland, Japan and South Africa.

Mitchell was at the helm of the All Blacks from 2001-2003 with his tenure drawing to a close after their third-place finish at the 2003 Rugby World Cup in Australia.

He has also been head coach of the Chiefs in New Zealand, the Western Force in Australia and the Lions in South Africa.

The 51-year-old was also an assistant to England coach Clive Woodward between 1997 and 2000.

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