Force to keep Mitchell

Former New Zealand coach Mitchell is currently undertaking a consultancy position at the Lions during their Currie Cup campaign as Dick Muir, the South African side's director of coaching, has been on Tri Nations duty with the Springboks.

Reports in the South African media have suggested Mitchell has been in negotiations with the Lions over a move away from Perth, despite being contracted to the Force until the end of the 2011 season but Rugby WA chief executive Vern Reid said: "I have spoken to John Mitchell in Johannesburg and he has advised me that no formal negotiations have taken place with the Lions."

He added: "This has also been confirmed by John's management, The Fordham Company.

"At this point we have not had contact with the Lions or their President about their intentions."