The Auckland Blues have confirmed their newly appointed Head Coach, to take them forward in Super Rugby for the next two seasons.
The Blues have decided to elect experienced New Zealand coach Vern Cotter to the role, and he will be joined by former All Black Jason O’Halloran as Assistant Coach. Cotter has an impressive coaching resume, which includes taking the reigns of Scotland alongside O’Halloran from 2014 to 2017.
The duo took charge of Scotland throughout the 2015 Rugby World Cup, where they reached the quarter-finals. Since his time with Scotland, Cotter has taken charge of Montpellier in the Top 14, and the Fijian national side. This is the 61-year-old’s first coaching role in his home country since his role as forwards coach of the Crusaders, as far back as the 2005/06 season.
Speaking with New Zealand news outlet Stuff.co.NZ, Cotter said; “I would like to extend my thanks to the entire Blues organisation for putting their trust in me,”
“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.”
“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. 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.”