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'Mellowed' Mitchell says commuting from SA 'no issue'

Cape Town - England defence coach John Mitchell is confident his living situation will not be an issue as he starts his new role with Eddie Jones' side.

Mitchell, who recently left his post with the Bulls, has revealed he will undertake his England duties from South Africa instead of relocating.

And when questioned about this, the New Zealander stated his family are settled in South Africa and that it would not impact on his duties.

"It won't stop me being the best I can be. And it certainly won't stop me being available," Mitchell told BBC Radio 5 live in an interview.

"I'll spend more time here than in Durban. I have a young family, and a daughter to get through high school - it's important to make sure she's settled.

"I'll be with the team for long periods and the family will join me for parts of it. If I go back, it's only an overnight flight.

"If I perform well and there's an opportunity to stay on in England, then relocating becomes an option."

Mitchell has gained a reputation for being a hard taskmaster, but when questioned about his coaching style, he revealed that he'd "mellowed".

"I think I've mellowed a fair bit. We do make mistakes and we're also allowed to develop. I coach far differently than maybe I did 20 years ago," he said.

"You don't always get it right, but it's not something that worries me. I'm comfortable with who I am and what I do."

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