By Ken Borland
JOHANNESBURG, June 23 (Reuters) – Lions coach John Mitchell
has been suspended with immediate effect following complaints
from the players, Super Rugby franchise president Kevin de Klerk
said on Saturday.
The former New Zealand coach will face a disciplinary
inquiry by the board of the Johannesburg-based franchise.
“”John Mitchell has been suspended pending an investigation
after complaints from the players,” De Klerk confirmed to
Reuters.
“”The complaints of the players are quite serious and it’s
not just from one or two players, it’s a very substantial number
which we cannot take lightly. As the custodians of Gauteng
rugby, we are responsible to our staff and the well-being of our
players.”
De Klerk, a former Springbok lock, said he could not
elaborate on the complaints.
Assistant coaches Carlos Spencer and Johan Ackermann will
take over the coaching as the Lions return to Super Rugby action
next weekend.
Mitchell, 48, joined the Lions in mid-2010 and steered them
to the Currie Cup title last year, but their Super Rugby form
has been poor. The Lions have been South Africa’s
worst-performing franchise over the last two years.
(Editing By Alison Wildey)
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