Force release Mitchell to coach Lions September 03, 2010
John Mitchell has been released from the final year of his coaching contract at Western Force to become the coach of the Golden Lions in South Africa, officials said today.
The former All Blacks coach had one year remaining on his contract taking him through until the end of the 2011 Super rugby campaign, but he had indicated earlier this year that he would not be seeking a further term at the club, a statement said.
Rugby WA Chairman Geoff Stooke said Western Force owed a great deal to Mitchell, who was the foundation coach of the Perth-based team.
"John was one of the key catalysts in achieving our objectives of growing rugby in Western Australia and growing Wallabies, achievements that cannot be underestimated," Stooke said in a statement.
"He departs with our best wishes and appreciation for his efforts over the past six years and he can feel very proud of the work he has done here."
Following a difficult 2010 campaign which was marred by injuries to several key players, Mitchell was granted leave to coach in the South African domestic Currie Cup during the Super rugby off-season.
While Mitchell had every intention in returning to Perth in time for the Western Force pre-season training, officials said, his work at the Lions impressed the Johannesburg team and the franchise was keen to secure his services for the long term.
Officials said discussions are under way with current Western Force assistant coach Richard Graham, who had already been appointed to take up the head coaching role at the club in 2012, to take charge from next season.
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