Super Rugby Pacific champion coach Vern Cotter re-signs with Blues

The reigning Super Rugby Pacific champions have retained head coach Vern Cotter for another season. The Blues announced the contract extension on Monday morning.

Cotter, 62, parted ways with the Fijian national team in 2023 after being at the helm of the Pacific giants for three years. He succeeded Leon MacDonald as head coach of the Blues, filling the vacancy created by MacDonald's short-lived promotion to the All Blacks coaching group.

Once in the Auckland side's environment, players reported the coach living up to his 'Stern Vern' nickname and the side soon established a new playstyle and attacking DNA. Cotter credited the players for the change, as the Blues transformed their forward pack into a snow plough and chewed through metre after metre with one-off carries around the ruck.

Now with one title in the bag, the coach says he's ready for more. The extension sees him continue with the club for the 2026 season.

“I’m not quite ready to be back on the farm full-time just yet!” he said in a press release from the team.

“I loved my first season here at the Blues and to have this contract extension confirmed after one year is a great show of confidence in me from the club and really sets my focus for the next two seasons with the team.

“I have a great group of coaches and support staff around me and I want to help continue their growth and development. I will continue to challenge and support them on their own journeys."

Blues CEO Andrew Hore said the timing of this contract is reflective of the confidence the club have in the direction Vern is taking the team.

“It’s excellent to have Vern signed through until the end of 2026,” said Hore.

“We wanted to get this contract signed early as a show of faith in him as a coach and the direction he’s taking the team,” he said.

“One of the key values for our club is ‘people matter’. We’re constantly striving to create an environment where our people can grow and develop. Vern’s approach aligns with the club’s values, and we want to mirror some of that approach in the way we operate as a wider club,” said Hore.

Blues GM of Rugby Murray Williams praised Cotter's influence in the environment.

“Vern’s been excellent to work with, he challenges those around him to be better and drives standards in our environment,” said Williams.

“He manages the playing group well enabling a fun and professional environment which our players responded to. The direct conversations and accountability he instilled in them have us moving in the right direction and we’re happy to have him driving the ship for the next couple of seasons.”

Blues Board Chair Don Mackinnon expressed the board's support of the coach.

“It’s clear Vern has made a strong impact in the short time he’s been with the Blues. Our Board are very grateful for his contribution to both the playing group and wider Blues organisation and we look forward to him continuing with this same approach for the coming Super Rugby Pacific seasons,” said Mackinnon.

New Zealand Rugby General Manager Professional Rugby & Performance Chris Lendrum also expressed his support for the decision.

“Securing experienced Head Coaches in Super Rugby Pacific is crucial to the success of our teams, the development of our players and the strength and quality of the competition. The Blues 2024 results speak for themselves, and Vern’s extension reflects the impact he’s made in a short time.”