NEW YORK, NY – Some early morning Twitter-verse had us scrambling to find out more re the reported move of USA Rugby Head Coach John Mitchell to Oyonnax in the French PRO D2 set-up.
USA Eagles Coach Linked to French Club https://t.co/wriojUy3Fr #rugbyunited pic.twitter.com/xC90AQB7Lq
— Americas Rugby News (@americasrugby) February 6, 2017
After first seeing that Americas Rugby News tweet, we contacted our colleague/European Rugby Expert James Harrington (@JamesOnRugby). Monsieur Harrington confirmed that this was a print-only, Midi-Olympique story. With Harrington’s footwork – literally – and a translation from our former New York Rugby Club mate, Pyk Easewick, who is from Bordeaux, we were able to secure the printed piece.
Here it is enlarged for you…
And here’s the translation, thanks to Pyk…
“Currently head coach of the USA Eagles, John Mitchell, 52, could next bounce back in France. The New Zealand born technician’s résumé, former boss of the all blacks from 2001 to 2003 is currently circulating in the hexagon [French nickname for France because of the country’s shape]. His name has recently been heard around Oyonnax, whose managers are thinking about the composition of their next staff.“
This is speculation as far as we can tell at this point. We reached out to USA Rugby CEO Payne who, …respectfully declined to comment.” Coach Mitchell was traveling and unable to be reached. We will continue trying to reach him.
This would be big news if it proves to be true. While we don’t want to speculate, Midi-Olympique does have a credible history with rugby reporting. If – and again this is unsubstantiated at this point – Coach Mitchell does move, it will only add to the challenges previous CEO Nigel Melville left behind by in the wake of the Pro Rugby situation. In the meantime, everyone should exhale.
Stay tuned…
Thanks again to James Harrington and Pyk.
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