John Mitchell leaves Blue Bulls for England

Former All Blacks coach John Mitchell will join England as their new defence coach as early as Sunday, according to Netwerk24.

The Afrikaans publication reports that the Bulls and the English RFU have come to an agreement. The RFU agreed to pay the Bulls compensation of between R3 million - R5 million for Mitchell's early release.

Mitchell will now support England head coach Eddie Jones in preparing the England squad for the 2019 Rugby World Cup, replacing Paul Gustard who left for Harlequins following the June Test series against the Springboks.