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'I'm disappointed': Fiji coach Vern Cotter delivers World Cup blow
By AAP
New Zealand-born Vern Cotter has stepped down as Fiji national coach little more than eight months out from the Rugby World Cup in France.
Fiji Rugby chairman Humphrey Tawake told a hastily arranged news conference in Suva on Thursday that Cotter's letter of resignation had been accepted and a new coach will be appointed "in due course."
Tawake said Cotter had resigned for personal reasons but gave no other details.
In a statement, Cotter expressed regret for his sudden departure.
"I would like to take this opportunity to thank the players and coaches I have worked with during my time with the team," he said.
"I feel the team has made some significant improvements over the last few years both on and off the field.
"I believe we built a great culture which was testament to some good people working hard and enjoying each other's company and I'm disappointed to be leaving at this time."
Cotter has coached Fiji for three years and was previously head coach of Scotland, which he led to the 2015 World Cup quarter-finals.
He recently had been assisted by New Zealanders Daryl Gibson and Glen Jackson in Fiji.
Cotter also previously led New Zealand's Bay of Plenty and French clubs Clermont and Montpellier, and coached the Crusaders forwards in 2005 in Super Rugby.
Cotter is the latest head coach to leave his role close to the World Cup.
Eddie Jones was dismissed in December as England head coach and went on to take over as Australia coach from Dave Rennie, who was sacked.
Wayne Pivac also was recently replaced as Wales head coach.
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Latest Comments
I dont believe Skelton has ever proven himself at test level tho Nick. Yep he played well against a side they scored plenty against but his record v the top sides isnt special. Good quality player but Im not as convinced about him as you seem to be, as you base most of your opinion on his local club stuff not really his test performances. His test record of 30 tests in 10 years explains itself very well. I think he is an honest performer but certainly not a top notch International player.
Go to commentsI wonder Jake, who do you think is the best fit for Australia as a coach? Not since Joe Schmidt took over as coach did Australia look any good, however, there is always this debate around not having an Aussie coach by the fans and so called pundits and old players.
Some of them are changing their minds now however, but I would love to see who you would choose. I think Joe Schmidt is an excellent coach, who puts in everything for the team he is coaching. To him, there is no such thing as being biased.
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