Signed and sealed.

Former All Blacks head coach John Mitchell has been appointed as England’s new defence coach until the end of Rugby World Cup 2019 while Scott Wisemantel will continue his role as attack coach.

Mitchell will leave his executive of rugby role at the South African Super Rugby side, the Bulls, to join the England set up in September ahead of November’s Quilter Internationals.

The 54-year-old is a vastly-experienced coach and former player. The New Zealander was an England assistant coach between 1997 and 2000 under Sir Clive Woodward for 33 Tests and has coached domestically in the Premiership at both Wasps and Sale Sharks.

“This is an exciting opportunity to work with England Rugby and support Eddie Jones as head coach,” said Mitchell.

“I will be joining an elite high-performance programme, Test team and coaching group where I will use all my experience and focus to bring the necessary clarity and confidence to the players from a defensive perspective.”

England head coach Eddie Jones added:

“Defence is a key pillar of our game and John is an experienced coach.”

“He’s coached the All Blacks, USA Rugby and a number of Super Rugby sides so he will bring a wealth of experience and add to the coaching mix we have here.”