Bulls: End of Mitchell era?

NEWS: Seems like the Bulls’ dismal Super Rugby season has not diminished the demand for coach John Mitchell’s services.

In Mitchell’s first season as Bulls coach, the Pretoria franchise finished bottom of the South African Conference and 12th on the overall standings.

The Bulls only managed to record six wins from their 16 matches and many pundits regard 2018 as one of the worse seasons they have experienced – placing huge uncertainties around Mitchell’s future at the Bulls.

To make things worse, Mitchell requested ZAR90-million from the Bulls board of directors in order to lure experienced players to Pretoria ahead of the 2019 season.

There have also been reports that Mitchell is seeking a full-time defence coach for next year’s Super Rugby season.

Micthell’s demands have driven a huge wedge between the New Zealander and the South African franchise’s board members.

And it seems like  2019 could be the year that Mitchell and the Bulls part ways.

According to South African media reports, Mitchell has been linked to clubs in the United Kingdom and has been offered the role as England defence coach ahead of the World Cup.

Despite backing the coach for the last few weeks, the latest news of the coach’s departure has forced the Bulls to publicly respond via twitter.

According to the tweet, the Bulls confirmed that Mitchell did receive alternative offers, but stated that the coach’s contract will only come to an end in October 2019.

The BBCo would like to confirm that John Mitchell informed us that interest was shown in his services, no formal offer has however been received. The BBCo would furthermore like to confirm that John Mitchell’s contract with the BB Co expires on the 31 October 2019. pic.twitter.com/Agma8BySQN

— Official Blue Bulls (@BlueBullsRugby) August 2, 2018