Coach of the year Mitchell to help Gloucester staff

Head coach John Mitchell led England to victory in the Women's Rugby World Cup in September

World Cup-winning England head coach John Mitchell is to spend time with Gloucester through November supporting the Prem club's "defensive development".

Mitchell guided the Red Roses to World Cup glory in September and his packed CV also includes two years as head coach of the All Blacks, and forwards and defence coach with the England men's team across two stints.

The Cherry and Whites said the 61-year-old is not working in a consultancy role and will be unpaid, but he will support the backroom staff with their development.

"His time with Gloucester represents an opportunity for the club's younger coaching group to learn from one of the game's most experienced minds as they continue to strengthen their defensive identity," a club statement said.

Gloucester are currently without a win in the Prem this season having lost their first five matches of the campaign.

They have conceded 190 points - only bottom-of-the-table Newcastle Red Bulls have conceded more.

Gloucester said Mitchell will focus on "improving tackle and collision effectiveness" within the team's "overall defensive development".

He was named World Rugby's coach of the year following England's win at Twickenham, having also guided the Red Roses to a fourth consecutive Six Nations Grand Slam and seventh straight title in April.

He also worked as head coach of Sale Sharks in the 1990s and has held roles in the United States, Australia, South Africa and Japan.

Gloucester next play Bath in the Prem Rugby Cup on Friday, 14 November before returning to league action at home to Harlequins on Saturday, 29 November.