Former All Blacks coach John Mitchell has survived being stabbed by intruders in his hotel room while in South Africa.
Two intruders broke into his room in Johannesburg on Sunday night and one of them stabbed the New Zealander during a struggle, the Nine Network reported.
The intruders then tied him up and fled.
Mitchell, 46, who is in South Africa coaching the Lions for next year’s Super 15 competition, was being treated in hospital.
A spokeswoman for Mitchell’s Lions rugby team, Krystle Geach, told Stuff that Mitchell had been at home with his flatmate and fellow coach Wayne Taylor when he heard a strange noise.
“Mitch heard someone coming into the room. He thought it was Wayne, because Wayne has quite a dry sense of humour, so he tackled the guy,” Ms Geach said.
“But it was an intruder, who stabbed him in the arm and the leg.”
Mitchell was taken to hospital, but was released after having his wounds stitched up, Ms Geach said.
“He is otherwise ok, a little bit shocked but ok. He will be back at work tomorrow.”
Both men were placed in temporary accommodation while local police investigated the break-in at their Hyde Park apartment.
Mitchell’s mobile phone and laptop were stolen by the intruder.
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The Crowd Says (12) | Page 1 of Comments
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- All Blacks, John Mitchell, Rugby Union, South Africa
October 11th 2010 @ 9:00am
Rusty said | October 11th 2010 @ 9:00am | Report comment
Unbelievable shame. I wish him a full and speedy recovery and wouldnt be surprised if he heads home now. Life is more important than rugby
October 11th 2010 @ 3:03pm
Mick Gold Coast QLD said | October 11th 2010 @ 3:03pm | Report comment
Aha – disgruntled Lions supporters, avenging their loss at home to Western Force back in May.
October 11th 2010 @ 4:40pm
Rusty said | October 11th 2010 @ 4:40pm | Report comment
So by your logic then – given his laptop was stolen it could have been Quade Cooper taking it to another level
October 11th 2010 @ 5:14pm
BlackWave said | October 11th 2010 @ 5:14pm | Report comment
Quade? That’s just dumb.
I think we can narrow down to a man with,
Last name: Giteau
First name: Matt
October 11th 2010 @ 5:18pm
AndyS said | October 11th 2010 @ 5:18pm | Report comment
Nah, I doubt it was anyone from rugby – he was stabbed in the front.
October 11th 2010 @ 8:08pm
Mick Gold Coast QLD said | October 11th 2010 @ 8:08pm | Report comment
Ohhh – is there an antipathy there from the spoilt brat? That is interesting – did Mitchell not let it have it’s own way? (which is what it’s used to!!)
October 11th 2010 @ 8:06pm
Mick Gold Coast QLD said | October 11th 2010 @ 8:06pm | Report comment
Oh no, no, no. Contracted Wallabies can do no wrong. I’ve read that here from my own mob.
October 11th 2010 @ 6:25pm
Laurens K said | October 11th 2010 @ 6:25pm | Report comment
How disgusting. Wish I could say this does not happen about 50 times every day in South Africa
I live outside SA and the plan is to save some $’s and go back in a few years to start a business, but this type of incident makes you wonder.
Anyone in NZ/Aus want a hardworking bloke that likes sport in 3 years’ time in their city?
The ba$tards
October 11th 2010 @ 7:51pm
Photon said | October 11th 2010 @ 7:51pm | Report comment
This is really sad, i hope John Mitchell finds it in his heart to stay though caus he is really turning around the Lions and more importantly changing perceptions within South Africa about how rugby should be played. He is busy turning a side that everyone said didn’t have the players to be competitive and developing something awesome. Many people will point to Friday night and say I’m wrong, but over the course of the season the Lions have improved immeasurably.
October 12th 2010 @ 1:09pm
Tembavj said | October 12th 2010 @ 1:09pm | Report comment
Photon I am with you he has done wonders, with the cash and the brains behind the Lions not to mention the young talent to work with I wont be surprise if he turns them around by 2012 into the super finals.
SARU should open their eyes and start looking at international coaches.
He wont leave and good on him, its shows character not to run with your tail between your legs. It will inspire everyone around him.
Unfortunately this is the South African way… should make up a good chapter in his book after leading SA to the 2015 RWC trophy! 3rd in a row.
October 11th 2010 @ 8:23pm
mudskipper said | October 11th 2010 @ 8:23pm | Report comment
I heard a whisper he was stabbed by a vuvuzela… but seriously rugby fans Mitch needs to work on his defence…
October 14th 2010 @ 9:18am
Tembavj said | October 14th 2010 @ 9:18am | Report comment
Thats gold skip…