Ex-Fiji coach Cotter gets Rugby World Cup lifeline

Former Fiji coach Vern Cotter has been thrown a late Rugby World Cup lifeline by Romania, who have confirmed he is joining the 'Oaks' in France as a technical consultant.

In February Cotter stepped down as Fiji national coach little more than eight months out from the tournament, handing in a letter of resignation to the union.

The union has since faced its fair share of behind-the-scenes issues since.

Cotter's involvement with Romania stems from his engagement with the team during their Rugby Europe Championship efforts, where he observed training sessions shortly after leaving Fiji.

Cotter expressed enthusiasm about supporting Romania's journey and hopes for the team to exceed expectations in the World Cup.

"I am happy to be part of Romania's adventure at the Rugby World Cup," said Cotter. "I've been following the team training since the beginning of this year in the Rugby Europe Championship and I'll be involved as a consultant for the World Cup, hopefully the Oaks will progress and play well, exceeding everyone's expectations."

The New Zealander brings a formidable resume to the table, having previously served as a forwards coach for the Crusaders from 2005 to 2006, followed by a coaching stint in France's Top 14 with Clermont until 2014.

He subsequently led Scotland's national team, notably achieving a 53 per cent win rate and triumphing over Ireland, Wales, and Italy during the 2016-2017 6 Nations tournament. After coaching Montpellier in the Top 14, Cotter assumed leadership of Fiji's national team in 2020, leading them to a World Cup qualification.

Last month, Cotter signed a two-year contract with New Zealand's Blues in the DHL Super Rugby Pacific league.

The Oaks, positioned in Group B, have a challenging schedule ahead in France. They commence their campaign against Ireland in Bordeaux on September 9, followed by matches against South Africa on September 17 and Scotland on September 30, both in Lille. Their final Group B fixture is against Tonga in Lille on October 8.