FARM LIFE ON HOLD AS COTTER EXTENDS WITH BLUES

Blues Head Coach, Vern Cotter, has signed a one-year contract extension with the club, seeing him remain at the Blues until the end of the 2026 season. 

Cotter tasted instant success after joining the Blues in 2024, overseeing a Super Rugby Pacific championship in his first season at the helm. 

He said the contract extension is a signal there’s more work to be done. 

“I’m not quite ready to be back on the farm full-time just yet!” quipped Cotter. 

“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,” said Cotter. 

“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,” he said.  

In his short time at the Blues, Cotter has made a strong impact on not only the playing group but all Blues staff he works alongside. 

Blues CEO, Andrew Hore, said Cotter’s influence has been felt right throughout the club. 

“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, said the experience and simplicity of message Cotter brings to his coaching made his contract extension a simple decision.  

“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, emphasised the Board had no hesitation in endorsing Cotter’s contract extension. 

“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.

Meanwhile, NZ Rugby General Manager Professional Rugby & Performance Chris Lendrum reinforced 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.”