New man.

Former All Blacks head coach John Mitchell will replace Paul Gustard as England’s Defence Coach next month after agreeing a deal with the Rugby Football Union (RFU).

Sportsmail are reporting that a deal has been finalised, and Mitchell has signed on until the end of next year’s Rugby World Cup in Japan, leaving his role as Bulls boss in the process.

The 53-year-old was in charge of the All Blacks from 2001 to 2004, and also worked in Sir Clive Woodward’s England set-up previously.

A compensation deal still has to be formally agreed with the Bulls for Mitchell’s early release, but that is believed to be a foregone conclusion, with the Kiwi set to move to London next month.