John Mitchell Ocholla Otieno (Backs coach)

Mitchell is a Kenyan International who has represented his country at both 15's and 7's. It is at the IRB (International Rugby Board) sevens where he excels. He has been on the IRB sevens circuit (where Kenya are now ranked 9^th in the world's pecking order) for some years and has also played at the Commonwealth games. He played in the final sevens tournament of last season IRB series at Twickenham, where they were in the same group as England and Australia (who they beat), lost to Fiji (the eventually London and tournament winners), beat Argentina in the Plate before eventually losing to South Africa in the Plate final, where Mitch scored their consolation try.

Mitch (known as Michelin Tyres) plays wing or centre but has not only come to play for Topsham RFC but develop his coaching. He is here until the end of November and will assist Trevor Harris with the coaching, primarily with the backs, and will undertake the RFU level 1 and 2 coaching courses whilst here.

Mitch currently coaches the Strathmore University in Nairobi and has coached the Kenyan under 19's and under 21's. His home club is Impala RFC.

We have already benefited from his coaching, where in particular his ball skills drills have already enhanced the ability of those who have taken part.