[Penguin Modern Poets, Series I 22] • Mitch

He is one of the most highly regarded coaches in international rugby, but also one of the most controversial. Now you can read why ...John Mitchell's rugby coaching career spans many years, several teams and various countries. He was assistant to Clive Woodward, who spearheaded England's 2003 World Cup-winning campaign, for four years in the pioneering days of professional rugby coaching, and he took charge of the All Blacks and the Chiefs in New Zealand, the Western Force in Australia and the Lions in South Africa. Indisputably one of the most experienced coaches on the circuit, he has arguably also been one of the most controversial. For although he made a success of all his tenures, he has challenged the structures and powers-that be, resulting in several premature departures.