Player revolt at Lions?

Lions coach John Mitchell may face yet another player revolt.

Media reports suggest that a group of players have presented a 'list of grievances' to Golden Lions Rugby Union President Kevin de Klerk as a result of the manner in which Mitchell treats players/

According to the Afrikaans daily, Beeld, this could result in the Lions having to find a new coach.

De Klerk was not immediately available for comment.

Despite taking the Lions to their first Currie Cup title in 12 years, when they beat a star-studded Sharks team in last year's Final in Johannesburg, the players feel aggrieved at Mitchell's behaviour.

The Lions mentor recently told this website that he wants to see out his contract, which runs to the end of 2013, with the Johannesburg-based franchise.

However, if the reports of a player revolt prove to be true, his stay in Gauteng may be prematurely ended.

The former All Black coach faced a similar revolt before his departure from the Western Force in Perth, where he was 'removed' from the day-to-day coaching for a short while and later allowed to continue under 'strict supervision' from his assistants and senior players.

Mitchell, despite his 82 percent success rate and taking the All Blacks to the 2003 World Cup semifinal, was axed as New Zealand's national.

Later reports emerged of player discontent.

Apart from the apparent fall-out with the coach, there is also great uncertainty among players over the future of the union in Super Rugby.

The Lions, the lowest ranked South African team and sitting 14th on the global table of 15 teams, remain the 'frontrunners' to be eliminated if the Southern Kings enter Super Rugby in 2013.

And Lions captain Joshua Strauss, speaking to this website in an exclusive interview, admitted that some players were "talking to their agents".