Mitchell’s Stormers appointment not a done deal

Former Lions coach John Mitchell might not be appointed Stormers coach

John Mitchell’s appointment as the Stormers Super Rugby coach for the 2016 season seems less certain than it had just a week ago.

Mitchell’s name appeared to be at the top of the list of possible candidate after Eddie Jones was appointed England head coach.

The former Lions and Western Force coach had been contacted earlier this year in connection with the Stormers job but at the time he was looking for a longer contract than the Stormers were willing to offer.

Former All Black coach Mitchell’s achievements met with the Stormers criteria for a coach and having lived in South Africa for the last five years he is familiar with South African rugby.

However Mitchell left the Force in Perth after rumours of players being unhappy with his coaching style and then at the Lions similar rumours emerged.

According to sources some of the Stormers players have raised their concerns about how suitable Mitchell is for the role given the past issues with players.

If the Stormers decide against appointing Mitchell as Super rugby coach the current backline coach Robbie Fleck and Currie Cup coach John Dobson could fill in next season.