Bulls clarify John Mitchell's status as England rumours spread like wildfire

Seems like the Bulls’ dismal Super Rugby season has not dented head coach John Mitchell’s reputation – report Rugby365.

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

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

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

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

Micthell’s demands have created 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 informally offered to take up the role as England defence coach ahead of the Rugby 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 and have also revealed that the coach’s contract will 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