John Mitchell set to be Stormers' next coach



Former All Blacks coach John Mitchell is edging closer to finalising a deal to become the next Stormers coach. Mitchell, 51, is expected to replace Eddie Jones after the latter vacated his post less than three weeks into the job to take up the position of England coach.Mitchell has coached the Western Force and Lions in Super rugby, and fits Western Province director of rugby Gert Smal's strict criteria of "six or seven years' Super rugby experience and also international experience".Technical discussions would still have to take place about expectations over game plans, strategic direction of the team, individual responsibilities, and also for Mitchell to glean an understanding of what structures are already in place.Mitchell, chief executive of a Pietermaritzburg packaging firm, won't be able to start immediately even if terms are agreed.If he signs it would be a small coup for Smal after Jones let the union down.Mitchell comes with pedigree and a proven track record, although he has not always been universally popular.But successful coaches seldom are and while Mitchell is a hard taskmaster, his teams produce attractive, attacking rugby - another of Smal's criteria.Jones was also set to be a mentor to young assistant coaches such as Robbie Fleck, Paul Treu and Russell Winter, and in Mitchell the Stormers would have the right man to fulfil a similar role.Western Province declined to comment on the coaching situation at this stage.