The Blues have announced that they have appointed Vern Cotter as their new head coach ahead of the 2024 Super Rugby Pacific season on a two-year contract.
The 61-year-old will start his coaching reign at the Auckland-based franchise this week and is joined by assistant coach Jason O’Halloran, who has also signed a two-year deal, and the duo will work alongside existing members of the Blues coaching team.
An experienced coach
Cotter‘s appointment is a shrewd one as he is an experienced coach at domestic and international level and his most recent job was as Fiji’s head coach from 2020 to 2022.
He also served as Scotland’s head coach from 2014 to 2017, where O’Halloran was also his assistant, as the duo took the Scots from 10th to fifth in the World Rugby rankings.
Cotter said he is both honoured and enthused by the challenge of coaching the Blues in Super Rugby Pacific.
“I would like to extend my thanks to the entire Blues organisation for putting their trust in me,” he told the Blues’ official website.
“I’ve watched this club thrive in recent years and I’m excited by the challenge of taking them forward and building on what is a very strong base.
“It’s great to have Jason joining me at the Blues. Since our time in Scotland we’ve remained firm friends and often pick up the phone to discuss current trends in the game – I know he’ll add real value to an already strong coaching team.”
Apart from his prowess in the international arena, Cotter has also had success as a club coach in Europe. After working as an assistant at the Crusaders in 2005 and 2006, he joined French outfit Clermont Auvergne and took them to lofty heights.
They reached three grand finals before winning the coveted Top 14 title in 2010 which was the first title in the club’s history. In 2006, Clermont also won a European Challenge Cup under his guidance.
Cotter believes his overseas experiences can help in taking the Blues forward.
“When you take a new role it’s important to acknowledge what’s been going well for a team, while constructively challenging aspects you feel could improve,” he said. “I think I can add fresh thinking, informed by my broad and varied coaching experiences to date.
“I’m looking forward to getting stuck in with the Blues and I’m energised to be back in New Zealand coaching at Super Rugby level.”
Blues chairman Don Mackinnon said Cotter’s extensive experience, collaboration with O’Halloran and history of winning were key factors in bringing him to the Blues.
“We’ve been in communication with Vern for a while now and what shone through in our conversations was his desire to drive the club forward while building on the strong culture we’ve developed at the Blues over the last few years,” he said. “He’s an experienced and driven coach, has a history of success and I believe is the right fit for the role.
“Vern and Jason have proven they work well together, and we believe the pair will provide some fresh thinking and energy to take the club forward.
“We’re really happy with our coaching mix for 2024 and beyond and believe Vern is the right man to set the direction for our coaching group and continue the development of some excellent younger coaches.”
Blues chief executive Andrew Hore was also impressed by the latest coaching additions.
“We’re looking forward to welcoming both Vern and Jason to our team. We feel they will fit seamlessly into our coaching group and wider business,” said Hore.
New Zealand Rugby manager of professional rugby Simon Simmers echoed those sentiments.
‘Home-grown coaching talent’
“Vern’s appointment is a great example of our home-grown coaching talent gaining valuable experience offshore, before returning to New Zealand to continue their contribution to the development of our people and competitions,” he said.
“Vern’s coached internationally at Rugby World Cups and knows what it takes to win titles in Europe. He will bring all those insights and knowledge back to the Blues and Super Rugby Pacific. It’s great to have Vern home.”
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