John Mitchell’s appointment as Stormers coach is no longer a foregone conclusion, with some players having raised concerns over his suitability for the role.

The former All Blacks coach has been the front-runner to take up the post since Eddie Jones’s departure. He meets the criteria the Stormers are looking for with extensive Vodacom Super Rugby and international coaching experience, while he has a good understanding of South African rugby.

However, Mitchell has left his last two coaching jobs with the Force and Lions under controversial circumstances, and some senior players at the Stormers are unhappy about the possibility of him taking on the head coaching job.

WP president Thelo Wakefield said the Stormers are intent on securing the signature of the ‘correct’ candidate and will not rush the process of appointing their next coach.

If an appointment is not made soon, backline coach Robbie Fleck and Currie Cup coach John Dobson could possibly take charge next season.

John Mitchell on what happened at the Lions

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