John Mitchell has reportedly requested R90-million from the Blue Bulls board to buy new players.

According to Rapport newspaper, executive of rugby and Super Rugby head coach requested the amount at a bosberaad outside Pretoria.

The Bulls, who recently made an unsuccessful attempt to sign Lions flank Cyle Brink, are reportedly targeting Duane Vermeulen, Schalk Brits, Frans Malherbe, Jean-Luc du Preez and Wandisile Simelane.

After the Bulls’ loss to the Lions at Ellis Park earlier this month, Mitchell said the union would have to change its recruitment policy if it wanted to challenge for the Super Rugby title.

‘We have got a very good process and very good systems,’ he said. ‘We are going to have to recruit. It is as simple as that. We are going to have to change our mindset from quantity to quality and create two teams of Super Rugby quality to be able to manage workloads and injuries.

‘We need to stop exposing youngsters to this competition too quickly and relying on youngsters who just can’t handle this competition, [while also] relying on a handful of Test players and expect them to last the full season.’

Mitchell apparently also asked the board for a defence coach for next year’s Super Rugby tournament. Technical analyst John-William Meyer will perform the role during this year’s Currie Cup.

Rapport claims that Mitchell’s requests did not go down well with some members of the board, who questioned the team’s performance in Super Rugby. The Bulls finished 12th on the overall log, with six wins from 16 matches.

Photo: Lee Warren/Gallo Images