The Blue Bulls' powers-that-be have reacted to the team's struggles in the Currie Cup by granting coach Nollis Marais 'leave' and replacing him with John Mitchell.
Mitchell, the union's Director of Rugby, was only meant to take over as coach ahead of next season's Super Rugby competition, but a third loss of the competition this weekend has prompted a change of management.
The Bulls, through CEO Barend van Graan, released a statement explaining the move as part of their "turnaround strategy", saying: "We are working hard to ensure the sustainable and long-term success of the Vodacom Bulls and Blue Bulls, as we continue striving towards achieving success and restoring trust and faith in our brand.
"We are working hard to ensure the sustainable and long-term success of the Vodacom Bulls and Blue Bulls, as we continue striving towards achieving success and restoring trust and faith in our brand."
Marais was supposed to have joined Mitchell's Super Rugby team as assistant coach, though it remains unclear what his future with the union is.