John Mitchell moving on: Who will be the next Blue Bulls rugby coach?

With John Mitchell gearing up for an overseas job offer, it leaves the Blue Bulls rugby union in quite a predicament. Who will step up to the plate and pull the Pretoria boys out of the dirt?

It was previously reported that Mitchell had been offered a coaching position in England. While the embattled Blue Bulls coach is still in the country, it may not be for long, as Sport24 label Mitchell’s departure from the team as a ‘done deal’.

The John Mitchell blues

This, following an especially awful rugby season for the Pretoria based Blue Bulls.

The Bulls performed dismally in the Super Rugby competition, finishing last in the South African conference, winning just 37% of all their encounters.

What makes matters even worse, is that Mitchell was tasked with revitalising Blue Bulls rugby, instead, the Pretoria boys recorded their worst ever Super Rugby season.

The final straw which broke the Blue Bulls back must have been when, immediately following the disastrous Super Rugby performance, Mitchell demanded R90 million from the board of directors, citing the need to supplement the lack of local talent, with players from other parts of the country.

According to insiders, this had fans and funders fuming. Maybe it’s better then, that Mitchell head onto greener pastures. He had his chance, and while change may take time, his promise couldn’t match his performance.

So, the question on the lips of every ardent Blue Bulls supporter is: Who will be the next coach?

Future Blue Bulls coach

Firstly, the Blue Bulls Rugby Company have been quick to remind everyone that John Mitchell’s contract only expires on 31 October 2019. Should Mitchell depart before then, which seems likely, he will be forced to pay a massive ‘buy-out-fee’ to the Pretoria union.

Realistically, if England Rugby Union is looking to acquire Mitchell’s services, and the Blue Bulls board are already unhappy with the New Zealander – it’s fair to say he’ll be let out of his contract for a pretty sum, with no hard feelings on either side.

According to reports, calls have already gone out to some leading local coaches, with the Blue Bulls union eager to find a suitable replacement before Mitchell sets foot on an aeroplane.

Fourie du Preez

Fourie du Preez is a local legend, and decorated Blue Bulls rugby alumni. The 36-year-old scrum-half put in almost 10 years of hard work at the Pretoria based rugby club.

Du Pree played in the 2011 Rugby World Cup and has been awarded South African player of the year twice before.

Victor Matfield

Undoubtedly one of the best South African rugby players in recent years – maybe even ever. Victor Matfield, the big lock legend, is, like du Preez, a Blue Bull through and through.

The 41-year old put his body on the line for the Blue Bull, for close on 10 years – winning them three Currie Cup titles and the Super 14 title in 2007, 2009 and 2010.

Without a doubt the most decorated Blue Bulls rugby player in the last 20 years.

Jimmy Stonehouse

Jimmy Stonehouse is an iconic South African rugby coach. The 54-year old Krugersdorp native has had a successful coaching career, working with the Pumas and the Blue Bulls craven-week team.

John Dobson

John Dobson is currently the head coach of the Western Province Currie Cup side. He’s had great success leading the Cape Town-based team to victory in previous competitions, most notably the recent Currie Cup title in 2017.