Rugby
Mitchell in Sale Sharks role
2012-11-01 07:50
Johannesburg - English rugby club Sale Sharks announced on Wednesday suspended Lions coach John Mitchell would be part of its rugby strategy board.
"Sale Sharks have formed a management board, which will meet regularly to devise and review the long term rugby strategy," the club said on its website.
"This board will be chaired by Brian Kennedy and consist of the following members: Ian Blackhurst, Steve Diamond, John Mitchell and Bryan Redpath."
Mitchell, who last year guided the Lions to their first Currie Cup title since 1999, was suspended by the Golden Lions Rugby Union (GLRU) at the end of June over allegations of misconduct.
The former All Blacks coach had since been involved in a protracted legal battle with the GLRU. The outcome of the internal arbitration had been expected towards the end of October.
Since Mitchell's suspension, assistant coach Johan Ackermann had taken charge of the Golden Lions team for the Currie Cup season.
The side progressed to the semi-final where they lost 21-16 to eventual winners Western Province.