Former All Blacks coach John Mitchell is the new head coach of the US Eagles.
The 51-year-old, who coached the All Blacks between 2001-2003, replaces Mike Tolkin as Eagles head coach and will lead the team through to the next World Cup in Japan in 2019.
At the recent WorldCup the Eagles lost all four pool games to Manu Samoa, Scotland, Japan and South Africa.
Mitchell, at the World Cup for television commentary duties for South Africa's Super Sport, had an unhappy stint at the Lions in the Republic, and also had a controversial reign at the Western Force in Perth. He has coached in England, with Sale and Wasps, and was an assistant to Clive Woodward with the national team between 1997-2000.
In an interview released by USA Rugby, Mitchell said: "I'm excited about putting my strengths into play and building on the solid work laid down in the last World Cup cycle.
"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."
The US Eagles will this year take part in the first Americas Rugby Championship, kicking off against Argentina in Houston on 6 February. Canada, Brazil, Chile and Uruguay are the other contestants.
