[citation needed] Mitchell played rugby union for the Merivale club in Christchurch and represented the province nine times in 1909 and 1910.

[5] Mitchell played in four matches, becoming a dual-code rugby international.

Mitchell then returned to Christchurch and represented Canterbury in its first ever match in 1912.

[6] He played for the St Albans and Federal clubs in the Canterbury Rugby League competition.

[5] Mitchell later served as a coach of the Canterbury side and a national selector.