Mitchell wants his Lions job back

John Mitchell

John Mitchell

Published Nov 6, 2012

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Johannesburg - Suspended Lions coach John Mitchell said on Monday he had been found not guilty on various charges in his protracted legal battle with the Golden Lions Rugby Union (GLRU).

In a statement released by Mitchell’s management company, it was also said that the GLRU had withdrawn six of the charges levelled against the New Zealand coach.

“Even though John has been cleared of these particular allegations, the GLRU, through its lawyers, is not prepared to release details to John or his lawyers,” the statement said.

“That’s pretty amazing, considering the damage that this action taken by the GLRU has done to John’s reputation and brand.”

The GLRU, however, would not be drawn on Mitchell’s claims, confirming only that the independent chairperson, Peter Bam, had concluded the internal disciplinary hearing.

“In terms of the independent chairperson’s findings and recommendations, the GLRU will engage John in discussions which by the nature of the employment relationship are private and confidential, and cannot be disclosed,” the union said.

Mitchell’s company further said the GLRU’s lawyers had advised Mitchell’s legal representatives that they were not prepared to release the findings and recommendations on the remaining nine charges unless the coach signed a confidentiality undertaking.

Mitchell was suspended at the end of June after Lions players lodged a “list of grievances” with the GLRU.

The Lions recruited the former All Blacks coach for their 2010 Currie Cup season and he was released from the final year of his contract with the Western Force to take up a three-year deal with the Johannesburg side.

Last year he guided the Lions to their first Currie Cup title since 1999.

With the uncertainty still hanging over his future with the Lions, Mitchell believed he still had a role to play at the union.

“I want my head coach position back at the Lions,” Mitchell said in the statement. “There is some unfinished business to do with the Lions.

“Furthermore, I am determined that my future will be in South Africa.”

His statement came in the wake of news from English rugby club Sale Sharks that Mitchell was appointed as part of its rugby strategy board.

Sapa

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