Emirates Western Force inaugural Coach John Mitchell has been granted a release from the final year of his contract at the club to allow the former All Blacks mentor to pursue an opportunity with the Golden Lions in South Africa.
Mitchell had one year remaining on his contract in Perth taking him through until the end of the 2011 Super rugby campaign but had indicated earlier this year he would not be seeking a further term at the club.
RugbyWA Chairman Geoff Stooke OAM said the Emirates Western Force and rugby in Western Australia owed a great deal to Mitchell who started with a blank sheet of paper on his arrival six years ago and built a strong foundation for long term success.
“John Mitchell worked passionately and diligently in setting up the Emirates Western Force rugby programme from the ground up,” said Mr Stooke.
“John was one of the key catalysts in achieving our objectives of growing rugby in Western Australia and growing Wallabies, achievements that cannot be underestimated.
“He departs with our best wishes and appreciation for his efforts over the past six years.
“John can feel very proud of the work he has done here,” Mr Stooke said.
In five Super rugby seasons at the Emirates Western Force Mitchell has overseen the development of a squad that has enabled 71 players to proudly wear the ocean blue jersey and accomplish many noteworthy milestones.
In 2009 the club secured the ‘grand slam’ against Australian Super 14 teams and in 2010 achieved a famous win against the Crusaders, after coming so close on numerous previous occasions, that ensured the club had notched victories against every opponent in the competition.
Since their Super rugby inception the Emirates Western Force has also contributed significantly to the stocks of the Wallabies with 11 players going on to represent Australia including current first choice selections in James O’Connor and David Pocock.
RugbyWA CEO Vern Reid said Mitchell’s ability to nurture talent enabled the club to establish a reputation as a sought after rugby destination.
“We have seen John take young players, as well as some more establish performers, into the system here and help them take the next step at Super rugby level and also into the national set-up,” said Mr Reid.
“That formula is entrenched into the Emirates Western Force programme and players going forward will continue to benefit from the structures already put in place.”
Following a difficult 2010 campaign for the club which was marred by injuries to several key players, Mitchell was granted leave by RugbyWA to coach in the South African domestic Currie Cup during the Super rugby off-season.
While Mitchell had every intention in returning to Perth in time for the Emirates Western Force pre-season training, his work at the Lions quickly impressed the Johannesburg team and the franchise was keen to secure his services for the long term.
Mitchell said today that helping establish the Emirates Western Force as a Super Rugby entity was something he would always regard with a high degree of enjoyment and satisfaction.
“We started from scratch in 2005 which was an enormous challenge for everyone associated with the club,” he said.
“Like any organisation, you have your highs and lows, but I believe we can all look back and count a number of significant achievements, among them producing a healthy list of Wallabies, defeating all other Super Rugby franchises in the club’s short history, and, importantly, beating the other three Australian Super Rugby teams during the 2009 season.
“Looking ahead I believe Richard Graham is extremely well qualified to take the reins of a Super 15 team,” said Mitchell.
Discussions have commenced with current Emirates Western Force Assistant Coach Richard Graham, who had already been appointed to take up the head coaching role at the club in 2012, to assume the position from next season.
