Struggling South African Super Rugby franchise the Lions have opened an investigation into suspended coach John Mitchell.
The Golden Lions Rugby Union said in a statement on Tuesday the former All Blacks coach "has been suspended to provide the union with the opportunity to investigate certain allegations".
Forwards coach Johan Ackermann is in interim charge of the Lions with support from backs coach Carlos Spencer.
The Lions, second-to-bottom of the table above the Blues, have three matches to play this season against the Stormers, Rebels and Bulls.
Mitchell was suspended on Friday after local media said "a list of grievances" against him was handed by players to Lions president Kevin de Klerk.
De Klerk told Talk Radio 702 in South Africa that the complaints were about how Mitchell handled players.
NZN