MITCHELL CLARIFIES COACHING FUTURE
Emirates Western Force Coach John Mitchell has reaffirmed his commitment to seeing out his contract and leading the West Australian side during the 2011 Super Rugby season.
Mitchell had already announced that he would not be seeking reappointment following the end of the 2011 season but following recent speculation that linked him to the Lions for next season’s Super Rugby campaign the inaugural Force coach clarified his position.
He said today that discussions with the Johannesburg side had purely been based on a possible consultancy role assisting coaching staff during the South African domestic Currie Cup played between Super Rugby seasons.
“I’m entitled to annual leave, I have quite a bit up my sleeve and there has been discussion about coaching in the Currie Cup only between now and the next Super 14,” Mitchell said today.
“That has only been in discussion and there is no decision made.
“I can still fulfill my duties here.
“I do very little here at this time of the year except for plan and reflect, so I think it is important I continue to coach especially going into a long competition next year.
“It allows me to learn from another country during that period. There are a lot of advantages and it will be beneficial going into the next program.”
“I’m here (in Perth) right through until the end of my contract so I’ll be coaching the Western Force next year.”
Mitchell performed a similar consultancy role last year at the Sharks for a fortnight during their Currie Cup season and has already scheduled two weeks at Japanese club Toshiba before the Force pre-season kicks off for 2011
