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Mitchell back as Lions coach

Cape Town - John Mitchell has been found not guilty of all complaints of misconduct levelled against him by the Golden Lions Rugby Union.

With his suspension formally lifted, Mitchell has been requested to return to work as Golden Lions head coach on Friday, according to his lawyer Brian Patterson, of Edwards Nathan Sonnenbergs.

Patterson confirmed that the GLRU had finally released its full findings and recommendations of the disciplinary chairperson, Peter Bam.

Patterson stressed that no further comment could be made on the subject at this stage because of legal reasons.

“John is elated with the outcome and feels that his position and reputation as an international coach has been fully vindicated,” said his management agency, The Fordham Company. “He is looking forward to returning to Coca-Cola Park as head coach to assist the Lions to achieve their full potential”.

The agency’s chief executive, John Fordham, said Bam had made a number of recommendations relating to the restoring of the working relationships between Mitchell and the GLRU.

“John is committed to working hard together with the GLRU to address these issues going forward,” he said.

Fordham added that Mitchell’s legal representatives and the GLRU’s lawyers Erasmus Inc were engaged in discussions to address the resolution of certain underlying issues that gave rise to the complaints and to discuss Mitchell’s future with the club.

“John is committed to remaining in South Africa and in continuing in his position as head coach of the GLRU. He’s looking forward to his return to the club tomorrow,” he said.
 
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