Western Force coach John Mitchell dismisses rumours

Western Force coach John Mitchell has dismissed reports he is set to take over the reins at the struggling Lions - although he is in talks to assist their Currie Cup side.

Mitchell is set to leave the Force at the end of the 2011 season, however he insists he is not planning to leave the Perth-based franchise before then.

Mitchell had been linked to the Lions, with current coach Dick Muir under intense pressure following a miserable winless campaign.

But although Mitchell has held discussions over helping out the Lions in the domestic Currie Cup - which runs from July to October - he claims that the rumours he will take over the running of the Super 14 side are wide of the mark.

"I'm here right until the end of my contract so I'll be coaching the Western Force next year," Mitchell told AAP.