Mitchell – ‘Change was needed’

New Bulls coach John Mitchell feels bad for the departing Nollis Marais but believes change was needed at the Pretoria franchise.

Mitchell has taken over as the Blue Bulls’ Currie Cup coach as Marais has been granted leave for the remainder of the 2017 season. 

Developments at the Bulls have seen Mitchell appointed as Bulls’ executive of rugby and Super Rugby coach. Marais was supposed to serve as Currie Cup coach but with the Blue Bulls having lost their last three Currie Cup games, it has forced the union to make an immediate personnel change

“For too long, the union had a mentality of blame, excuses and denial. We have to change it and set new standards,” Mitchell told Netwerk24.

“Restructuring is never nice. I’ve also been through it. The company and board have to look after the interests of the players. With my appointment there was bound to be some restructuring at some point and they’ve decided on it sooner rather than later.”

Mitchell also told SuperSport.com that Marais had a tough year but believes he can make a vital contribution to the Bulls in future.

“Nollis is very much still employed by us, and he is a bloody good 'oke'. Unfortunately he has been through a tough year. His heart is in the right place, he loves this place, and it is massive to him. So it is a chance for him to refresh and come back at some point and make a vital contribution again.”