Mitch: The Real Story by John Mitchell with Gavin Rich offers an unflinching look into the career of one of the most respected and controversial figures in international rugby coaching. With an extensive career that spans multiple teams and countries, Mitchell’s journey has been marked by both triumphs and disputes. From his time as an assistant to Clive Woodward during England’s 2003 World Cup victory to his stints with the All Blacks, Chiefs, Western Force, and Lions, Mitchell has been involved in the highest echelons of rugby. Yet, his career has been as much about challenging rugby’s power structures as it has been about achieving success on the field.
In this book, Mitchell opens up about his career’s highs and lows, including the painful dismissal as All Black coach and his fallout with the Western Force. He also reflects on his disciplinary hearings and provides firsthand insight into why he has defended every charge levelled against him. This candid account not only addresses the controversies that have followed him but also provides a fresh perspective on what lies ahead for South African rugby.
A must-read for any rugby fan, Mitch: The Real Story offers an honest, gripping narrative about a coach whose impact on the sport cannot be understated.
