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Lions looking to score Mitchell coup

Wed, 11 Aug 2010 11:34

Lions' brains trust John Mitchell and Johan Ackermann prepare for their next test. (c) Gallo

The Golden Lions Rugby Union are hard at work, behind the scenes, in an attempt to secure the services of Western Force coach John Mitchell for the inaugural Super 15 season.

Lions CEO Manie Reyneke confirmed to rugby365.com that they were "in discussions" with Mitchell, although no formal offer had been made as yet.

Mitchell, who is currently coaching the Lions' Currie Cup team on a consultancy basis, is contracted to the Western Force until the end of the 2011 season.

GLRU President Kevin de Klerk said the discussions with Mitchell were at a "premature" stage.

"We are very impressed with John [Mitchell]," De Klerk told rugby365.com, adding that they would go about doing everything "above board".

"He [Mitchell] is a man of integrity and he has certain contractual obligations [with the Western Force]," De Klerk said.

"We respect contractual obligations, but we are looking at obtaining his services - if at all possible - for the Super 15. One way or another we would like to get him here."

Reynecke added that the initial discussions centred around Mitchell's willingness to take up a more permanent position in Johannesburg - which could see Springbok backline coach Dick Muir paying more attention to his Director of Rugby role, rather than being the senior team's head coach.

Mitchell would be directly involved in the day-to-day coaching of the senior professional team and Muir would look at all the coaching structures of the Lions.

However, as De Klerk stated, there was still a long way to go and no formal offer was on the table yet.

The Western Force, in reaction to reports that the GLRU are talking to Mitchell, said they were aware of the developments.

"I have spoken to John Mitchell in Johannesburg and he has advised me that no formal negotiations have taken place with the Lions in regards to their head coaching position for the 2011 Super Rugby season," Rugby WA CEO Vern Reid said.

"This has also been confirmed by John's management, The Fordham Company.

"At this point we have not had contact with the Lions or their President about their intentions."

Richard Graham is set to take over at the Force in 2012, but he might be thrust into the head role a year early if the Lions succeed in their attempt to lure Mitchell away from Perth early.

By Jan de Koning

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