Mitchell on mend after stabbing ordeal

THE former Garryowen, England and New Zealand rugby coach John Mitchell has been stabbed in a break-in at his home in Johannesburg.

Mitchell, who joined the South African provincial side Lions as head coach in July, was discharged from hospital yesterday after being attacked on Saturday night, his club said.

Krystle Geach, a Lions spokeswoman, said that Mitchell had been stabbed in the thigh and upper arm after two burglars broke into the house he shared with his fellow New Zealand-born coach Wayne Taylor in the wealthy Hyde Park suburb.

The 46-year-old former All Blacks player was taken to hospital in nearby Sandton, where he received stitches to the two wounds.

Mitchell will return to work today “where we will give him our full support and encouragement,” the Lions president, Kevin de Klerk, said in a statement.

Reports said that Mitchell was in bed when he heard someone entering his room at about 10pm on Saturday.

As Mitchell jumped on one of the intruders, the second one stabbed him in the arm and leg, according to the reports.

The burglars made off “with a few possessions”, said Geach.