Vern Cotter Appointed Queensland Reds Head Coach
The Queensland Rugby Union (QRU) has announced Vern Cotter as the new Head Coach for the Queensland Reds Men’s team for the 2027-28 seasons, following a comprehensive selection process.
Coaching Pedigree
Cotter’s extensive coaching career, spanning 24 years, boasts two significant trophy-winning campaigns:
- Blues in Super Rugby Pacific (2024)
- Clermont-Auvergne in the French Top 14 (2009-10)
He is among a select group of head coaches who have secured titles in both the southern and northern hemispheres.
Cotter also dedicated six years to Test rugby, guiding Scotland to the 2015 Rugby World Cup, leading Fiji for three years, and serving as a consultant for Romania at the 2023 tournament.
Contract Details and Transition
Cotter has signed a two-year agreement. He will succeed Les Kiss, who is scheduled to take on the head coaching role with the Wallabies in July after concluding his campaign with the Reds in Swyftx Super Rugby Pacific. Cotter will coach the Blues for the remainder of the current season before commencing his role with the Reds.
Statements from Key Personnel
Vern Cotter, 64, expressed his enthusiasm for the Reds position, citing the organization's structure and vision. He noted a prior connection with Sam Cordingley, Reds General Manager, High Performance, from his time at Clermont in France. Cotter also conveyed his interest in Australian rugby and a commitment to continuous self-improvement as a coach.
QRU Chief Executive David Hanham described Cotter as an appropriate appointment, highlighting his character and alignment with the organization’s values. Hanham referenced Cotter's record of success and his positive influence on teams.
Sam Cordingley indicated that the selection criteria sought a coach with a history of title success capable of further developing the high-performance environment established by Les Kiss. He emphasized Cotter's combination of international experience and title success in both hemispheres.
Les Kiss stated his commitment to ensuring a smooth transition for Cotter and expressed dedication to the upcoming 2026 season with the Reds.
Career Highlights
- 2002-04: Bay of Plenty (Head Coach) – Won Ranfurly Shield in 2004.
- 2005-06: Crusaders (Forwards Coach) – Won Super 12 Champions titles.
- 2006-14: ASM Clermont-Auvergne (Director of Rugby) – Won European Challenge Cup (2006-07) and French Top 14 (2009-10).
- 2014-17: Scotland (Head Coach) – Achieved a 53% winning rate and a Rugby World Cup Quarter-final appearance in 2015.
- 2017-19: Montpellier (Head Coach).
- 2020-2023: Fiji (Head Coach).
- 2024-Present: Blues (Head Coach) – Won Super Rugby Pacific title in 2024.