Mitchell closed Stormers door by himself
Mitchell, the new United States coach, launched a verbal broadside at De Klerk and South African Rugby Union President Oregan Hoskins – accusing them of carrying personal vendettas against him and costing him the Stormers job.
However, De Klerk told rugby365, in an interview, that he did not close the Stormers door for the former All Black mentor – Mitchell did that all by himself.
Western Province Rugby Union President Thelo Wakefield admitted Mitchell was snubbed by the Stormers because of his 'poor people skills'.
Following the departure of Eddie Jones to England, less than two weeks after being unveiled as Stormers coach in November last year, Mitchell looked set to become the next Stormers coach – after being head-hunted by WP (Pty) Ltd Director of Rugby Gert Smal.
However, the union named Robbie Fleck as interim coach for the 2016 Super Rugby season.
Mitchell, who was named coach of the US Eagles earlier this week, launched a scathing attack on De Klerk and Hoskins – accusing them of personal vendettas – in an interview with Radio Sport in New Zealand.
He also repeated his now well-versed claim that he was cleared on all allegations in his very public spat with the GLRU back in 2012.
"At the end of the day I've never been charged with any of the allegations," Mitchell told Radio Sport.
"It's only perception only. I've had to deal with a fair bit of politics in my time, but I'm heading into an environment where there is stability above me.
"The Lions situation was orchestrated. I was basically cleared of all 28 allegations and clearly [President of the South African Rugby Union] Oregan Hoskins and [Golden Lions president] Kevin de Klerk have still got a vendetta against me in South Africa. So my expertise isn't warranted."
However, De Klerk said it is "naive" of people to think he would be able to pick up a phone and tell his WP rival who should coach the Stormers and who not.
"He [Mitchell] can say what he wants, the facts speak for themselves," De Klerk told rugby365.
"The players revolted against him," the Lions boss said, adding: "I only spoke to Thelo Wakefield after the decision was made and told him I support him.
"I never influenced his decision, nor did Oregan Hoskins. I did not speak to them at all before the incident [of Mitchell losing the Stormers job].
"They [the Stormers brains trust] took that decision on their own.
"It is naive from outsiders to think that Thelo Wakefield, as President of Western Province, could be influenced by an official from another union.
"He is great rugby official and people should get off his back. He is doing a great job and people should stop criticising him for the decisions he made.
"It astounds me that people, who should know better, would think I can pick up a phone and call Thelo and tell him who should coach his team.
"He consulted with his board and they made a joint decision. It would have been a comprehensive process and not a spur of the moment decision.
"Those thinking he would make a decision based on what other players and officials say live in a dream world."
Speaking of Mitchell's verbal broadside De Klerk said: "I certainly did not close that [Stormers] door for him, he closed it for himself.
"He had issues in New Zealand, he had issues in Perth and he had issues with us [the Lions]. He even took a turn in England.
"He must go do his thing there [in America] and see how well he does."
By Jan de Koning
@King365ed
@rugby365com
