5 Jan 2016

Former All Blacks coach to lead USA

12:02 pm on 5 January 2016

The former All Blacks coach John Mitchell is set to lead the United States to the next Rugby World cup in 2019, after been appointed coach of the Eagles for the next four years.

Mitchell, 51, coached the All Blacks between 2001-2003 but was sacked after the side's 2003 World Cup semi-final loss to the Wallabies.

His first match as Eagles head coach will be against Argentina next month in Houston.

John Mitchell during his time as coach of Perth based Western Force.

John Mitchell during his time as coach of Perth based Western Force. Photo: Photosport

He has wide experience in Super Rugby, including stints with the Chiefs, Western Force in Perth and the Lions in South Africa.

"I'm excited about putting my strengths into play and building on the solid work laid down in the last World Cup cycle," Mitchell said in statement from USA Rugby.

"I see this as a wonderful opportunity to play a key part in inspiring, mentoring, creating confidence and stability in transforming USA rugby into a strong, globally competitive unit by the end of 2019," he said.