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Mitchell quits as Lions coach

Cape Town - The Golden Lions Rugby Union have announced that a new agreement has been reached between the Union and coach John Mitchell.

Mitchell will, with immediate effect, assume the position of technical advisor to the Golden Lions, with assistant coach Johan Ackermann taking over the head coach position.

Mitchell will enter into a one-year consultancy role, where he will use his expertise and experience to provide necessary technical advice to the Golden Lions. He will work to assist the team in their work towards 2014 Super Rugby reinstatement.

GLRU president Kevin de Klerk is pleased with the new arrangement and believes the team will benefit immensely from the new set-up.

“We are looking forward to the future and believe the new agreement with John is the ideal alternative for the Golden Lions,” De Klerk said.

“It is a wonderful opportunity for us to utilise John’s expertise while offering an up-and-coming coach like Johan the chance to deliver and develop.

“We would like to thank John for his contribution to this Union thus far and wish him well for his other endeavours in the future.”

As per the conditions of the new agreement, Mitchell will not consult for any other South African franchise during his consultation tenure at the Golden Lions Rugby Union.

“I am pleased that Kevin de Klerk and GLRU CEO Ruben Moggee have been extremely supportive of my wish to remain on board at the Lions, while allowing me the chance to consider other associations linked to rugby,” said Mitchell.

“I am fully committed to helping the Lions and head coach Johan Ackermann in the rebuilding process. I have unfinished business with the Lions and this new arrangement will enable me to help the team achieve the goals they have set out.”
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