Kiwi eyes cup glory for Scotland
The sight of Vern Cotter, cap on his head, putting rugby players through their paces, is familiar on both sides of the world. The former Bay of Plenty and Crusaders coach is now the head coach of Scotland, and is hoping to lead them to victory at the Rugb
Why did you become a coach? It kind of happened by accident but, in saying that, I suppose it was a natural transition from my playing days. I really enjoy the sport, and enjoy a challenge. Why did you decide to coach overseas? I’d already played in Italy and France and, in fact, started my coaching career over there before coming back to New Zealand to take on the family farm in Te Puke.
While I was back I was lucky enough to get a coaching position. The first was with Bay of Plenty from 1999 to 2004.
During that time the team won the Ranfurly Shield for the first time in 2004. I then went to the Crusaders from 2004 to 2006. Moving back to France to coach Clermont was a big decision for myself and my family, but we liked the culture and way of life there, and it seemed like a good adventure. How does rugby coaching in your country differ from in New Zealand? The different aspects are in style, emphasis, and sometimes the Scottish weather that you have to take into account when preparing for matches.
But I’m surrounded by good
people and that is the main thing. What are the fans like? We’re fortunate to have a very proud, passionate, rugby public. A packed out BT Murrayfield Stadium in Edinburgh is a great occasion and it’s hard not to be moved when you hear the whole crowd singing Flower of Scotland. How would you describe your team’s style of play and its culture? The play and culture is built on all the traditionally strong Scottish rugby teams. We have fast, aggressive and mobile forwards and quick, skilful backs. What is your favourite place in your adopted country? What is one thing you miss about New Zealand and why? Definitely our family and friends. You miss things like going out for a day of fishing with my brother, the sound of cicadas in summer, which you don’t have here, and a good feed of New Zealand mussels or scallops from the sea, or a bit of venison on the barbecue.
What was the last book you read? What was the last movie you saw? Dumb and Dumber Two. If you could invite any four people, living or dead, to dinner,
who would they be and why?
What would you serve them? And to drink? For Jim and the two Billys a Steiny Pure, but for Naps I’d get a decent Bordeaux.