Mitchell: Business as usual ... or is it?

It is reportedly "business as usual" for Lions coach John Mitchell, who will formally report for duty on Monday.

However, questions remain over the New Zealander's future in South Africa.

This is the latest development in the protracted public spat between the former All Black mentor and his employers, the GLRU.

The protracted arbitration saga started with Mitchell's suspension in June.

"The Golden Lions Rugby Union can announce today [Friday] that they have met with John Mitchell,"  GLRU CEO Ruben Moggee said in a brief statement.

"We have discussed the relevant matters following his suspension earlier the season.

"John will join the team when they return for their pre-season next week,”  Moggee added.

Following months of an acrimonious public spat Mitchell met with GLRU President Kevin de Klerk and Moggee at the union's headquarters in Johannesburg on Friday.

Earlier in the week Mitchell's management team, the Fordham Company, claimed Mitchell had been found "not guilty" on all counts of misconduct levelled against him by the GLRU.

Mitchell's management team is adamant he can resume his duties at the Lions without any problems.

However, the Kiwi is still expected to link up with Premiership side Sale Sharks, according to reports in the English media.

The former Sale player and coach was recently linked to a permanent role with the Sharks, having acted as a consultant and also having been appointed as a member of the club's 'rugby strategy management board'.

How long he will remain in Johannesburg is anybody's guess.

By Jan de Koning