Cape Town - The
Golden Lions Rugby Union have announced that a new agreement has been reached
between the Union and coach John Mitchell.
Mitchell will,
with immediate effect, assume the position of technical advisor to the Golden
Lions, with assistant coach Johan Ackermann taking over the head coach
position.
Mitchell will
enter into a one-year consultancy role, where he will use his expertise and
experience to provide necessary technical advice to the Golden Lions. He will
work to assist the team in their work towards 2014 Super Rugby reinstatement.
GLRU president
Kevin de Klerk is pleased with the new arrangement and believes the team will
benefit immensely from the new set-up.
“We are looking
forward to the future and believe the new agreement with John is the ideal
alternative for the Golden Lions,” De Klerk said.
“It is a wonderful
opportunity for us to utilise John’s expertise while offering an up-and-coming
coach like Johan the chance to deliver and develop.
“We would like to
thank John for his contribution to this Union thus far and wish him well for his
other endeavours in the future.”
As per the
conditions of the new agreement, Mitchell will not consult for any other South
African franchise during his consultation tenure at the Golden Lions Rugby
Union.
“I am pleased that
Kevin de Klerk and GLRU CEO Ruben Moggee have been extremely supportive of my
wish to remain on board at the Lions, while allowing me the chance to consider
other associations linked to rugby,” said Mitchell.
“I am fully
committed to helping the Lions and head coach Johan Ackermann in the rebuilding
process. I have unfinished business with the Lions and this new arrangement
will enable me to help the team achieve the goals they have set out.”