FORMER All Blacks coach John Mitchell said yesterday he needed to temper his coaching style at Australian Super 14 rugby team Western Force, following complaints from players and club staff.

The Force resumed pre-season training yesterday with Mitchell in charge ahead of next month’s kickoff to the southern hemisphere season, but he is currently subject to an independent review initiated by the club.

Mitchell, 44, who is contracted to the Perth-based Force until the end of 2011, said he needed to curb his approach after the complaints forced the club to put him on restricted duties amid a mediation process.

“I am the first to admit that I am not perfect and I need to evolve my leadership , and I am looking forward to that,” said Mitchell.

He said: “I don’t think I need to explain my style; I have had success in the past with groups and there is no reason why we won’t gain success here as a group going forward.”

Retired West Australian supreme court judge Robert Anderson has completed interviews with players and staff and a club spokesman said the judge is expected to hand down the findings of his review later this month.

Sapa-AFP

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