John Mitchell Leaves Western Force

John Mitchell has parted ways with Super 15 franchise Western Force with the team saying on Thursday that the only man to have coached the side since they entered the series in 2006 was leaving a year early.

The former All Blacks coach was scheduled to depart the Perth-based side after next year’s inaugural Super 15 competition but was instead pursuing an opportunity with South Africa’s Lions, the Force said.

Mitchell has been helping the Lions in South Africa’s domestic Currie Cup competition this year.

“John Mitchell worked passionately and diligently in setting up the Western Force rugby programme from the ground up,” Rugby WA chairman Geoff Stooke said in a statement.

“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.”

Assistant coach Richard Graham had been named as Mitchell’s replacement after the former All Blacks number eight said in March he would step down when his contract expired in 2011.

The Force said they had begun discussions with Graham to commence the head coaching job next season instead.

Mitchell was the foundation coach for the Force when Super rugby expanded to 14 sides in 2006, however, the side failed to live up to expectations and had not made the semi-finals in his five seasons in charge.

The injury-hit Force finished 13th last season, and only finished as high as seventh, in 2007, during Mitchell’s tenure.

Mitchell was also temporarily stood down at the end of 2008 after players had complained about his behaviour, which prompted an independent investigation of the clubs’ processes and culture.

“Like any organisation, you have your highs and lows,” Mitchell said in a statement.

“But I believe we can all look back and count a number of significant achievements. Looking ahead, I believe Richard Graham is extremely well qualified to take the reins of a Super 15 team.”