Sale closing in on Mitchell

Off to Sale? John Mitchell

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John Mitchell is set to join Sale "in the next 48 to 72 hours", according to Sharks chief executive Steve Diamond.

The New Zealander initially joined the Aviva Premiership club on a consultancy basis following his suspension from the Golden Lions, but he then turned down a permanent coaching position, claiming he had "unfinished business" in South Africa.

Diamond, though, insisted that the move was very much still on, especially after Mitchell was cleared of a misconduct charge at the Lions, and it appears it is now just a matter of time before it is finalised.

"John's negotiating his way out in South Africa and he's set to join us in the next 48 to 72 hours," he said.

Diamond was speaking after Sale beat Saracens 25-23 in the LV= Cup on Friday evening.

"We were poor in the first half defensively and Saracens are obviously a good side," he added. "Even though they were missing quite a few players, they know how to win games.

"It looked like the game was slipping away from us at half-time. But fair play, we injected a bit of youth and enthusiasm, and we managed to get back into the game after the break."