The coach has been serving a four-month suspension from his duties at the Lions pending an independent inquiry that is believed to have cleared the coach of misconduct.

In a statement yesterday, Mitchell said: "I want my head coach position back at the Lions. There is some unfinished business with the Lions. Furthermore, I am determined that my future will be in South Africa."

Mitchell said this despite being announced by English side Sale Shark last week as part of the club's strategy board.

The Golden Lions rugby union released a statement yesterday confirming that the internal disciplinary hearing against Mitchell had been concluded.

But the union would not divulge any further information, stating only that it would "engage John in discussions, which, by the nature of the employment relationship, are private and confidential, and cannot be disclosed".

The Lions said further information would be made available only once the parties had met and agreed on a joint media release.

Mitchell was suspended after claims of ill-treatment by players in June.

The Lions later added charges of bringing the union into disrepute over statements he made about their participation in the Super 15 competition.

The legal process began in July but has been postponed several times.

The hearing came to an end at about the same time as the Lions' end of the road in the Currie Cup, where they were knocked out in the semifinal.

Johan Ackerman, who has been the man tipped to take over from Mitchell on a permanent basis, has been the interim coach since the Kiwi's suspension.