MANCHESTER, England - Former New Zealand coach John Mitchell has left Sale Sharks and returned to South Africa "for personal reasons," just a month after taking over as director of rugby at the struggling English club.

Mitchell has a role as technical advisor at the Johannesburg-based Lions team in the Super 15, having been moved from his position as head coach last month following a legal wrangle.

He joined Sale, which is bottom of the English Premiership, on Nov. 28 and was in charge for five matches in total.

Sale owner Brian Kennedy says Mitchell "has had to return to South Africa for personal reasons which we respect. We are grateful for his valuable and insightful contributions albeit for a shorter term than envisaged."

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