YOUNG GUNS
COVENTRY FLY-HALF
Evan Mitchell is one of few rugby players to be able to follow his father’s footsteps in playing for the same club – Coventry.
The 19-year-old Coventry fly-half’s father is his main inspiration: “He played for Coventry and England Colts when he was young,” he said. “He’s always been my main supporter.”
Despite his father’s career, Evan did not get into rugby at a young age. Instead, he started playing when he joined the school rugby team in year seven. He said: “Football and tennis were my main two sports going into secondary school. I decided to play rugby and really enjoyed it. I found a passion!”
Mitchell joined Warwickshire side Earlsdon RFC in year eight, before moving on to nearby Barkers Butt a year later.
Alongside club rugby, Mitchell represented Warwickshire before joining the Wasps Academy at U15’s. At 18, he made the switch to sign for Championship outfit Coventry.
This season, he has started five first team games, racking up 36 points in the process including one try.
“Breaking into the Coventry first team was really good. With Covid, it was a very weird season.
There’s plenty of opportunity – especially for the young lads. I made my debut when I came on against Ampthill which was a great experience.”
Dan Carter sits as the most inspirational player for Evan. He said: “In his autobiography, I read how he maintained his high levels of professionalism for so many years. Being a fly half – he is someone I want to follow.”
Mitchell is striving to make the Coventry No.10 shirt his own.
“My ambition is to solidify that ten-jersey going into next season. I have to do that by putting in good performances and being consistent.”
The last two years have been difficult for Championship players who have had a stop-start last two campaigns.
“Last year we had a five-month pre-season – we never knew when the first game would be. Even now, having jabs and catching Covid is affecting us majorly.
The stop-start nature has been a struggle.”
Lockdown has allowed Evan to find a new passion – golf.
“I’ve become addicted and can’t stop playing.
“Also, I’m on the way to being a qualified personal trainer, something I have been interested in for a number of years.”
This campaign has been tough for Coventry. A poor start leaves them in eighth place.
“We would have liked to have had a better start to the season. But we are still looking at finishing fourth or fifth.”
Long term, Evan’s his goals are: “To play at the highest level I can for as long as I can. I hope it can be with Coventry and we can start to push for promotion over the next few years.”
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