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Vern Cotter has new club in sights after shock Fiji exit

Cotter and close friend Laidlaw (Getty Images)

Just seven weeks after he quit as head coach of Fiji in dramatic fashion and Vern Cotter appears to have a new club on the horizon.

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Cotter delivered a letter of resignation at the end of January, a move which surprised many given the proximity of the Rugby World Cup.

According to Midi Olympique, Cotter appears likely to return to France and is reportedly in advanced negotiations with French Top 14 club Perpignan. The Catalan club is searching for a new head coach for next season and has made significant progress in its pursuit of the former Scotland boss.

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The 61-year-old New Zealander previously coached Clermont and Montpellier and is believed to tick all the boxes required by the Perpignan decision-makers. While there are still several contractual details to be ironed out, it appears that the Cotter track is preferred by the club’s leaders.

However, an internal source has said that “nothing is complete” yet, indicating that there is still work to be done before a final agreement is reached.

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Cotter’s pedigree is considered a major asset, and he is believed to be the preferred candidate over Pierre-Henry Broncan and Julien Laïrle, who are also being considered for the position.

Whoever Perpignan’s new boss is, he will have to take over an existing coaching ticket of David Marty, Perry Freshwater, Guillaume Vilaceca, and Gérald Bastide. He will also have to manage a group of players that he did not select, making the job a significant challenge.

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According to the report, Perpignan’s President, François Rivière, has given himself until the end of April to finalize the appointment. However, if he can complete the process earlier, it will be time saved for the future.

In 2013 Cotter was selected as the permanent successor to Scotland boss Andy Robinson, who had left the post six months earlier following a defeat to Tonga.

After a slow start, Cotter would ultimately lead Scotland to what was then their best Six Nations performance of all time, winning all three home games against Ireland, Wales and Italy to finish fourth in the 2017 tournament.

He would depart in May of that year, with a 3000-strong petition calling for him to remain.

additional reporting PA

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Comments

3 Comments
M
May 606 days ago

If they get Vern I hope they look after him and appreciate what he does for his squad. When he coached Scotland skill level improved and the players played with a smile on their face.

D
Douglas 609 days ago

Not quite true. Scott Johnson was in place as an interm. Head Coach before Vern was offered post.

i
isaac 610 days ago

Lol talk about integrity...he resigned because he didnt want to spend alot of time in Europe this year and wanted to be closer to family..I thought he'd go to crusaders....lol....

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Hellhound 40 minutes ago
The Springboks have something you don't have

Rassie has done very well with the Boks. The well will certainly not dry up soon. The amount of young talent coming through, that don't even stand a chance of making it in before 2027, is just absolutely amazing.


However, Rassie has proven to be a rugby genius. He will never rest on his laurels. It's why he keeps evolving tactics, keeping everyone on their toes. He doesn't underestimate any team. He is very aware of just how close the top teams is.


There will be no complacency not will he relax with his main stars. He is very astute, knowing that his team is getting older and thus giving the younger players much more playtime than what any other coach would do.


By the time the 2027 WC comes around, he will be prepared to defend his title and he knows one bad day will end a triple WC crown. Competition is that close. The Boks are in transition, even though it doesn't look like it.


After the 2027 WC, most of the double (possible triple) WC champs players will become unavailable due to retirement from international rugby. Rassie is already preparing the replacements, getting caps under their belts.


The top teams is just too close to underestimate and no Bok will be allowed to get complacent. Although they are by far the current most successful team and clearly the best by miles, they are not undefeatable.


Very tough to beat yes, but they can lose on the day. I am not worried. The youngsters by 2027 WC will be experienced with lots of years ahead and that should be a warning to the rest of the pack biting at their heels. Love them or hate them, but you have to admire the Boks. They truely deserve to be top dogs currently.

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