Cotter’s journey from ABs shortlist to Fiji boss
In late 2011 New Zealand Rugby invited Vern Cotter to apply for the All Blacks coach’s job. Cotter must have known he was up against it. The position became vacant when Sir Graham Henry had retired but anyone with the slightest interest in the issue knew Sir Steve Hansen,barring a meltdown in the interviews, would be promoted after working as Henry’s assistant for eight years.
So it proved. Hansen was appointed to the top job and remained until 2019.
Cotter didn’t slip into obscurity. But, for many New Zealanders, he remained off the radar.
After being told by NZ Rugby that a lack of international coaching experience- Scott Robertson was given the same message when he missed out to Ian Foster in late 2019- had counted him, Cotter continued earning his bread in France where he was coaching Clermont.
That was until 2014, when he was appointed Scotland’s national coach. He remained there until 2017 before returning to France to take over the Montpellier club side.
Next stop, New Zealand. Cotter had a farm waiting near Te Puke in the Bay of Plenty and last year began working as Fiji’s head coach.
First involvement
It was Cotter’s first involvement with a southern hemisphere team since leaving the Crusaders, where he had worked under Robbie Deans as forwards’ coach in 2005 and 2006.
Despite no experience in Super Rugby, Cotter arrived in Christchurch with a reputation for not suffering fools and being able to get the best out of his cattle.
It wasn’t exactly a learning experience. He had already proved capable at Bay of Plenty.
With Joe Schmidt as the backline mentor, Cotter was at the helm of the Steamers when they took the Ranfurly Shield off Auckland at Eden Park in 2004.
Which, in turn, created movement in the market.
Schmidt ended-up at the Blues as an assistant.
Cotter travelled south to the Crusaders, where he replaced Don
Hayes; it coincided with a period of significant change at the franchise, with Richie McCaw having taken over as skipper ahead of exAll Blacks captain Reuben Thorne.
Not that it slowed the Crusaders’ success, as they claimed back-toback titles.
To Europe
This time to France to be the
head coach of Clermont, a club that had burned through coaches at an alarming rate. Cotter had an idea of what he was in for; he had played for nine years on the continent in his younger years, learning the language and gaining an understanding of what makes a fine bottle of wine worth the asking price.
Prior to his second season at Clermont,
Cotter convinced Schmidt to join him, and they guided the club to the Top 14 title before Schmidt agreed to take over Irish powerhouse club Leinster in 2010 and later coached Ireland.
Cotter’s opening season in 2019 with Fiji was difficult; they were invited to participate in the Nations Cup up north but an outbreak of COVID-19 forced the team to forfeit three matches.
Roll on 2021. Fiji, missing two top halfbacks and a first five-eighth and with their preparation limited by quarantine, were written off ahead of the two- test series against the All Blacks in New Zealand.
Yet, after the first test in Dunedin, it was Fiji that was heaped with praise.
The All Blacks struggled to a 21-11 halftime lead, conceded a penalty try and were embarrassed at the breakdown before getting home 57-23.
Foster and the All Blacks put on a better performance in the second test in Hamilton on Saturday night. NZ Rugby has yet to state what Foster, who is contracted to the end of 2021, must do to earn a extension through to the 2023 World Cup. Last weekend Hansen said it should already be a done deal.
The question is why? Foster may want certainty to map a path to the World Cup, but he must earn the right.
If change is needed Robertson, who is contracted to NZ Rugby until 2024, remains the logical replacement.
Jamie Joseph and Tony Brown’s agreement with Japan ends after the next global tournament.
Cotter’s deal with Fiji will also expire after 2023.
Schmidt is working for World Rugby.
All have international experience. NZ Rugby has options. For now and in the future.