Cape Town - The Bulls and the English RFU have reportedly come to an agreement regarding the services of John Mitchell.
Netwerk24 reported on Monday that Mitchell’s departure from the Bulls is now official.
The Afrikaans publication stated that, after more than a month of negotiations, the RFU agreed to pay the Bulls compensation of between R3 million and R5 million for releasing Mitchell early from his contract.
The report added that Mitchell could join England as their new defence coach as early as Sunday.
In his new role at England, Mitchell will replace Paul Gustard who left for Harlequins following the June Test series against the Springboks.
The New Zealander’s tenure at the Bulls will come to a premature end as his contract was due to only expire at the end of October 2019. He had a torrid first Super Rugby season in charge of the Bulls, winning just six of 16 games to finish bottom on the South African Conference.
Mitchell was previously the England forwards coach between 1997 and 2000 under Sir Clive Woodward.
At England, Mitchell will work alongside head coach Eddie Jones.