0
The Lions have refuted claims they 'ran an orchestrated campaign' to oust Kiwi John Mitchell as coach during the 2012 Super Rugby season.
In his recently released book Mitch - The Real Story, the former All Blacks mentor outlines his strained relationship with players and staff which led to an investigation into his conduct during the season where they won just three of 16 games.
Mitchell was cleared of any wrongdoing but later chose to resign.
In the book Mitchell also states: "the Lions just never had the money to pay me, and someone was fighting for his political survival."
However, in the Lions say they are 'surprised' by the claims and labelled Mitchell's version of some events as 'factually incorrect' and 'selective'.
The union points out that it provided the 50-year-old, who is now favoured to take over from Jake White at the Sharks, with 'every assistance' to perform his role including a life coach to help cope with 'emotional stress' during an incident in 2010 where he was stabbed in his flat by an intruder.
"He had a very tough time emotionally from the assault in his flat to the divorce of his wife of some 20 years. During this time, he had an on/off relationship with his girlfriend in Durban, which placed him under immense pressure," read a statement from the franchise.
"We even went as far as to provide him with a life coach who assisted him extensively during this period."
Even after Mitchell left the Lions, the union felt that there were no hard feelings.
"The parting of our ways goes much deeper and was more painful for all of those involved, including the players. There are two sides to every story"
"For the moment we are involved in great success stories around the Lions and thank John Mitchell for any part he has played in our success in the past."
Mitchell left to take up a contract with England's Sale Sharks buts soon returned to coach the Lions in the Currie Cup and is now in charge at the University of Kwazulu-Natal in Durban.
Reply With Quote
