John Mitchell quits troubled Sale

John Mitchell has left his coaching position with Sale after just a month in charge to return to South Africa for personal reasons.

The 48-year-old former All Blacks boss joined the club at the end of November, having previously worked for them on a consultancy basis, as the Sharks battle to avoid relegation.

Mitchell guided the club to just their second Premiership win of the season against Worcester on Friday night, but Sale have confirmed he has left his role, leaving Steve Diamond, Bryan Redpath and Pete Anglesea to lead the Sharks battle against the drop. Owner Brian Kennedy said: “John has had to return to South Africa for personal reasons which we respect. We are grateful for his valuable and insightful contributions albeit for a shorter term than envisaged.”

Sale remain rooted to the foot of the Premiership table. The summer recruitment of the likes of Scotland lock Richie Gray and England fly-half Danny Cipriani had raised hopes of a strong campaign.

But a terrible start to the season saw Redpath, who joined from Gloucester during the latter stages of last season, removed as director of rugby and shifted to the position of head coach in October.