Connacht Sign Irish-Qualified Scrum Half Mitchell
Connacht Rugby and the IRFU have announced the signing of young scrum half James Mitchell on a two-year deal.
James Mitchell is Irish qualified through his maternal grandmother who hails from Enniskillen, Co. Fermanagh. The 22-year-old joins Connacht from Sale Sharks where he has played as a professional for the past three seasons.
Mitchell’s first team debut for Sale came in an LV= Cup game against Worcester in January 2014. He has since played 20 times for the Aviva Premiership side, 12 of those during the last campaign.
The Maidstone-born player represented England at Under-16, Under-17 and Under-18 levels before being selected for their Under-20 Six Nations Squad in 2015. He played in all five games in that competition and subsequently went on to feature in all five matches at the World Rugby U-20 Championship in Italy.
Commenting on the province’s latest player signing, Connacht Rugby CEO Willie Ruane said: “We’re delighted to be acquiring the services of a young Irish-qualified player like James. His signing highlights the potential of the new IRFU IQ programme when it comes to identifying Irish-qualified talent overseas.
“James comes with a great deal of experience from playing in the Premiership and we’re excited to see what he will add to the squad and the scrum half position.”
Mitchell added: “I’m really looking forward to moving over to Connacht. From speaking to a few people about the province, I’m really excited by the new challenge and I believe it is a great opportunity for me.
“I’ve been watching Connacht Rugby for a few seasons now and have been really taken by the exciting brand of rugby they play. Hopefully I can make a positive contribution to the team.”