Ben Mitchell (rugby union)

Ben Mitchell (born 6 April 1994) is an English-born Irish professional rugby union player who is currently a lock. As of 2020, he is with the United States team San Diego Legion, having previously played for Youghal RFC, University College Cork in Ireland, the Gentlemen of Aspen RFC of Colorado and Austin Elite.

Ben Mitchell
Birth nameBenjamin Mitchell
Date of birth (1994-04-06) 6 April 1994
Place of birthNottingham, United Kingdom
Height2.01 m (6 ft 7 in)
Weight245 lb (111 kg)
SchoolMidleton College, Ireland
UniversityUniversity College Cork, Ireland
Rugby union career
Position(s) Lock
Amateur team(s)
Years Team Apps (Points)
 
2014–2017
2016–2017		 Youghal RFC
University College Cork RFC
Gentlemen of Aspen		 ()
Senior career
Years Team Apps (Points)
2018–2019
2020–		 Austin Elite
San Diego Legion		 23
4		 (20)
(0)
Correct as of 20 January 2021

Career

Mitchell was educated at the independent Midleton College and then at University College Cork (UCC), both of which have produced leading rugby players. At UCC, he majored on Economics and Finance and joined the University College Cork RFC. In his first year and a half, he played in the university club's under-20 team, then in 2014 joined the seniors in the All Ireland League, remaining on the team until the 2017/18 season. In 2015/2016, UCC RFC was promoted to Division 1 of the League.[1] In March 2016, Mitchell was selected for the Irish Universities to play the English Universities.[2] He was twice honored as the UCC RFC player of the year and played his last game for the team in November 2017.[1]

In 2016 and 2017, Mitchell was a summer player for the Gentlemen of Aspen in the Rocky Mountains Summer League, starring in the Ruggerfest tournament. In October 2017 he signed a two-year contract with Austin Elite to join the team for the inaugural Major League Rugby season of 2018 and was re-signed in January 2019.[3]

In 2018 and 2019 Mitchell played as lock for Austin in every game but one. In 2019 he became team captain, taking over from Andrew Suniula. In August 2019 he was signed by San Diego Legion, a major blow for Austin. In late 2020 he will qualify for the United States national rugby union team by residency in the US and is predicted to be of interest to the selectors.[4]

He was signed again by San Diego Legion for 2020–21.[5]

Notes
  1. Cork man Mitchell making big impression in Major League Rugby in the US dated May 20th 2018 at the42.ie, accessed 21 April 2019
  2. Rugby – 6 UCC players make Irish Universities Squad at ucc.ie, accessed 21 April 2019
  3. Austin Elite Rugby Re-Signs Ben Mitchell, djcoilrugby.com, January 15, 2019, accessed April 21, 2019
  4. Ben Mitchell leaves Austin for San Diego, americasrugbynews.com, August 19, 2019
  5. San Diego Legion Re-Signs Ben Mitchell, djcoilrugby.com, August 26, 2020
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