Get Newsletter

Fiji in dire need of new coach after Cotter quits

NEWS: Fiji is looking for a new head coach seven months before the World Cup after New Zealander Vernon Cotter resigned on Thursday because of “personal reasons”.

ADVERTISEMENT

The 61-year-old took charge of Fiji in 2020 after coaching French clubs Clermont Auvergne and Montpellier.

He also took Scotland to the 2015 World Cup quarter-finals.

Tevita Tuiloa, the union’s interim chief executive, refused to be drawn on who could replace Cotter – “it could be a Fijian or from abroad” – but expects to name a coach by the end of February.

“Fiji Rugby was blessed to have Vern Cotter come on board, but the call [to resign] came directly from him due to personal reasons,” Tuiloa told a press conference in Suva.

“Time is against us to find a coach to take the Fijians to the next level [at the World Cup], but we are confident we have the players.”

Fiji has been drawn with Australia and Wales – both of whom also changed head coaches recently – as well as Georgia and Portugal in Pool C at the World Cup, which will take place in France and starts on September 8.

ADVERTISEMENT

Fiji’s best performance was at the 2007 tournament in France, where they reached the quarter-finals after a win over Wales, before losing to eventual winners South Africa.

Video Spacer

Join free

Boks Office | Episode 9 | Six Nations Round 4 Review

Beyond 80 | Episode 4

Aotearoa Rugby Podcast | Who can truly be called the best rugby side in the world

Justin Marshall | The Big Jim Show | Full Episode

Sevens Challenger Montevideo - Day 3

Japan Rugby League One | Wildknights v Bravelupus | Full Match Replay

Boks Office | Episode 8 | Six Nations Round 4 Preview

Los Angeles HSBC SVNS - Day 3 - Full Replay

Write A Comment