South Africa's Lions Super 15 rugby team has suspended coach John Mitchell amid reports that players have complained about the way he has treated them.
The Lions confirmed the suspension of New Zealander and former All Blacks coach Mitchell to The Associated Press on Friday but wouldn't immediately give further details.
Reports say the Lions took the decision after "a list of grievances" was handed over by a group of players to team president Kevin de Klerk. De Klerk told rugby365.com that the nature of the players' complaints was "serious." Mitchell left Australia's Western Force in 2010 under a cloud after problems between him and players.
The Johannesburg-based Lions are bottom of the South African conference in the Super 15 and could be dropped this season.
AP