South Africa’s Lions Super Rugby team have suspended former Western Force coach John Mitchell amid reports of player complaints about the way he has treated them.

The Lions confirmed the suspension of New Zealander and former All Blacks coach Mitchell to The Associated Press on Friday but wouldn’t immediately give further details.

Reports say the Lions took the decision after “a list of grievances” was handed over by a group of players to team president Kevin de Klerk. De Klerk told rugby365.com that the nature of the players’ complaints was “serious”.

Mitchell left the Force in 2010 under a cloud after problems between him and players.

The Johannesburg-based Lions are bottom of the South African conference in 2012 and could be dropped this season.