John Mitchell becomes UK citizen ahead of WXV tournament
The Guardian Sport • 1 min read • Latest: Aug 12, 2026, 2:32 PM
Last updated Aug 12, 2026

John Mitchell, the coach of England women’s rugby team, revealed he became a UK citizen in July after a lengthy six-year process. The World Cup-winning coach expressed that representing England will now feel more meaningful. As a New Zealander, Mitchell has been involved in English rugby, which influenced his decision. The Red Roses are set to begin their WXV tournament on September 12.
- •Mitchell became a UK citizen in July 2026.
- •He emphasized the significance of representing England.
- •The Red Roses start the WXV tournament on September 12.
- •Mitchell previously coached the All Blacks at the 2003 men’s World Cup.
- •His time in English rugby motivated his citizenship decision.
- 2:32 PMThe Guardian Sport — England women’s coach John Mitchell reveals he has become UK citizen
"‘To be able to represent your country is meaningful’ Red Roses begin WXV tournament on 12 September England women’s World Cup-winning coach, John Mitchell, has revealed he became a UK citizen in July after a six-year process. He said it would make representing the country on a sporting stage “very whole and meaningful”. Mitchell, who is from New Zealand and coached the All Blacks at the 2003 men’s World Cup, said he “belted out” the national anthem in his final citizenship test and that his time in English rugby was a motivation in his decision. “I am very happy to be a British citizen,” he said. “More importantly, I am very happy to be an English citizen because rugby isn’t who I am, it’s what I do, but it does play a big part in my life. Continue reading...
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