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Cape Town - John Mitchell appears the firm favourite to become Stormers coach after meeting with Western Province rugby bosses on Tuesday.
According to the Cape Times, Mitchell was in the Mother City to discuss details of what is believed to be a four-year deal with the Stormers.
The former All Black, Western Force and Golden Lions coach earlier this year turned down a job offer from the Stormers.
In June, Mitchell told supersport.com: “An approach was made to me and there were negotiations, but unfortunately Gert Smal is only contracted as Western Province Director of Rugby for another two years, so there were no guarantees for me beyond that period.
“Had I been offered a four-year deal, it would have been different. But I have travelled around the world a lot to pursue my career as a coach and didn’t want to uproot my family again for the promise of just two years. I didn’t want to commute either, as I believe you have to be fully immersed in a culture to be effective as a coach.”
However, after Eddie Jones’ hasty exit as Stormers coach, Mitchell has made an about-turn and is again considering the role.
For the Stormers to attain his services, nothing short of a four-year deal would suffice, it seems.
Mitchell’s enterprising coaching approach would be welcomed by Stormers fans - who had grown tired of a one-dimensional approach which saw them struggle for tries in recent years.
