Western Force coach John Mitchell has been released so he can join Super 15 rivals the Lions.

Mitchell will be replaced at the helm of the Force by Richard Graham, who was due to take over at the end of 2011.

"Like any organisation, you have your highs and lows, but I believe we can all look back and count a number of significant achievements, among them producing a healthy list of Wallabies, defeating all other Super Rugby franchises in the club's short history, and, importantly, beating the other three Australian Super Rugby teams during the 2009 season," Mitchell said.

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