Cotter the new Scotland rugby coach

Scottish Rugby on Monday announced that successful New Zealander Vern Cotter is to take over from Australian Scott Johnson as national team head coach.

The 51-year-old is currently coaching French Top 14 giants Clermont.

On Sunday he said he would leave Clermont at the end of next season when his contract is up and now Scotland have said he will join them.

Scottish Rugby’s chief executive, Mark Dodson, said: “We are delighted to have secured the services of a coach of Vern’s pedigree for the Scotland team.

“Vern is rightly regarded as one of the top coaches in the world and to have secured someone of his calibre is a coup for Scotland.

“He was our first choice as head coach and we are pleased to have secured him on a two-year contract taking us up to and beyond the Rugby World Cup 2015.

“We compiled a short-list of world-class candidates last December and Vern was top of that list.”

The SRU said they had come to an agreement with Cotter several months ago but delayed the announcement out of respect for his current employers.

He is due to take over the reins from June 2014 for Scotland’s summer tour.

Johnson has agreed to take on a duel role until Cotter’s arrival, having already said he was moving upstairs into a director of rugby position.

“I’m absolutely thrilled and honoured to have been appointed to the role of Scotland head coach,” said Cotter.

“I very much look forward to joining Scotland and until I do permanently I will be on hand to support Scott and the coaches with any advice and support they need.”

Cotter comes with a great pedigree having led Clermont to the Top 14 title in 2010 and been part of the Canterbury Crusaders coaching set up in their back to back Super rugby successes in 2005 and 2006.

“I believe this is a real coup for Scottish Rugby. Vern Cotter is a top rugby coach who is amongst the most highly-regarded coaches in the world,” said Johnson.

“Until Vern arrives I will continue to lead Scotland as head coach and continue my duties as director of rugby.”

The one blot on Cotter’s record is his failure to land more trophies, in particular the European Cup, with the Michelin-backed French side, whom he joined in 2006.

Clermont were overwhelming favourites this season to do the double of European Cup and Top 14 after finishing top of the French regular season and being in the top two seeds after the European Cup group phase.

But they faltered in the European Cup final, losing to Toulon 16-15 despite having led 15-6 at one stage.

And a week later they crumbled in the Top 14 semi-finals, losing 25-9 to Castres.

Cotter the new Scotland rugby coach

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Lions ready to roar - Farrell

The Lions will be well and truly out of their comfort zone, with the temperature at kick-off – 7.30pm local time – forecast to be around 30 degrees. Two short water breaks during each half are scheduled, while giant fans will be situated near the touchlines if Lions and Barbarians players require them.

Lions assistant coach Farrell, though, does not anticipate the conditions being an issue for the squad. “The guys have adapted fantastically well, trained very intensely and they are all itching for a game,” Farrell said. “It’s 15 minutes and 30 minutes for water breaks in each half and there are fans on the side of the pitch all the time, so it won’t be a problem whatsoever.”

He added: “The players have coped really well in training in the mornings and afternoons when it has been really hot. These boys fill in wellness charts every single morning, they have (urine) tests every day, they weigh before and after training.

“The first day here was really humid when we trained – I think it was 85 per cent – and some boys lost three and four kilograms. The next day we had rehydration breaks and fans on the side of the pitch and some of the boys only lost one kilogram.

“They’ve got ice vests they can use at half-time to cool their body down and some like to put an ice towel over their head, but once you are in the middle of the game and thinking about rugby, you are not thinking about heat and exhaustion.

“One thing that shines out about this squad is that they are in brilliant nick. That has been the beauty of the training week we had in Wales and the training week in Ireland. We’ve been able to condition them and get them higher than match intensity.

“What you would expect from a side like this is an intensity that hopefully the Barbarians are going to struggle with.”

The Baa-Baas clash, viewed by some pundits as an irrelevant inconvenience before far more serious business Down Under, will give Lions head coach Warren Gatland an immediate opportunity to assess combinations before arriving in Perth on Monday.

Attention is likely to focus on the half-back pairing of Owen Farrell and Mike Phillips, the Richie Gray-Paul O’Connell second-row partnership and an all-Welsh back-row of Dan Lydiate, Justin Tipuric and Toby Faletau.

Lions ready to roar - Farrell

Three changes to Wallabies to squad

Called up: Nick Phipps

Australia have made three injury-enforced changes to their preliminary 25-man squad for the British and Irish Lions Test series.

Melbourne Rebels scrum-half Nick Phipps, Waratahs lock Kane Douglas and Western Force back-row forward Ben McCalman have been summoned instead of injured trio Digby Ioane, Sitaleki Timani and Scott Higginbotham.

There is still no place for playmakers Quade Cooper and Kurtley Beale in the group that goes into camp in Sydney on Sunday though reports in Australia suggest Beale who is undergoing treatment for alcohol-related problems in a Sydney clinic, will also be invited to train with the squad after a runout for his club Randwick on Saturday.

Wallabies Coach Robbie Deans will add a further six players to the initial 25-man squad on June 11.

Timani and Higginbotham have dropped out of the preliminary squad after injuries suffered during this weekend’s round of Super Rugby.

Their prospects of participation in the Test series from June 22 to July 6 will be determined after the pair have undergone scans for thumb and shoulder complaints respectively.

Timani sustained a suspected broken thumb during the Waratahs’ game against the Crusaders on Friday, while Higginbotham dislocated his shoulder as the Force went down to the Reds.

Wing Ioane, meanwhile, underwent surgery last week for a knee ligament problem.

The Reds winger returned home from the side’s recent two-match tour of South Africa after the opening match against the Cheetahs at Bloemfontein.

As he will be unable to train for some of the preparation time in the lead-up to the opening Test of the Australia 2013 Lions tour at Brisbane on June 22, the decision was made to replace him among the listed 25, although he is still joining the squad in Sydney today to continue his rehabilitation.

The selection of Phipps, who represented Australia in nine Tests last year, boosts to two the number of scrum-halves in the preliminary Wallabies squad, joining Reds scrum-half Will Genia.

“Digby is unable to train. His focus is on getting his knee right, which is why we’ve chosen to bring him in anyway, so we our medical staff can oversee the process,” said Deans.

“His absence from training opened up the opportunity to add another player. Nick has been playing well, has background with us through his experience last year and is a player who was always in our thoughts.

Deans said that Nic White, who had also been playing well, could yet be added to the group among the final six players named.

White will play for the Brumbies during this weekend’s Super Rugby match against the Melbourne Rebels in Canberra.

Phipps described the call up as a “pleasant surprise” admitting he felt he had “left my run too late” after starring in the Rebels upset win over the Stormers, two days before the preliminary Wallabies squad was named.

“I’d been going ok, but felt my performance in that game, after I got on, was a step up from where I’d been,” said Phipps.

“Possibly I’d been trying a bit too hard. I’ve really enjoyed my time with the Wallabies, especially last year when I got a few starts, and was pretty keen to get back there.”

“I guess, like every other player in the country, I’m desperate to have a crack at the Lions. It’s a once in a lifetime opportunity, one that a lot of players don’t get.”

Deans acknowledged that Phipps’ Test background, and his familiarity with the European playing style that the British Irish Lions will bring through last year’s Tour, had been considerations in his selection.

Australia squad: Ben Alexander, Adam Ashley-Cooper, Berrick Barnes, Nick Cummins, Dave Dennis, Saia Faingaa, Israel Folau, Will Genia, Liam Gill, , Michael Hooper, Rob Horne, James Horwill, Sekope Kepu, Christian Lealiifano, Stephen Moore, Ben Mowen, James O’Connor, Wycliff Palu, Benn Robinson, Rob Simmons, James Slipper, Joe Tomane, Nick Phipps, Kane Douglas, Ben McCalman.

Three changes to Wallabies to squad

Rugby Union: Scott Higginbotham drops out of Wallabies" prliminary squad for ...

Updated


June 02, 2013 09:58:56

Photo:

Shoulder injury … Scott Higginbotham (Getty Images: Cameron Spencer, File Photo)

Scott Higginbotham’s chances of playing against the British and Irish Lions remain unclear after he was forced to drop out of the Wallabies’ preliminary squad.

Higginbotham dislocated his shoulder in the Melbourne Rebels’ 33-20 loss to Queensland at Lang Park on Saturday night.

He will have to await the results of scans to determine whether he will take part in the Wallabies’ three-Test series against the British and Irish Lions starting this month.

Reds winger Digby Ioane (knee) and New South Wales lock Sitaleki Timani (thumb) have also dropped out of the 25-man squad that will assemble in Sydney on Sunday.

Rebels half-back Nick Phipps, Waratahs lock Kane Douglas and Western Force back rower Ben McCalman have been added by Wallabies coach Robbie Deans.

Higginbotham left the field on Saturday night early in the second half but remained hopeful he can be cleared to play against the Lions, provided he does not require surgery.

“We’ll see how we go (with the scans) and hopefully it’s not too bad,” he told Grandstand after the loss to the Reds.

The addition of Phipps’ may raise eyebrows, as he was picked ahead of in-form Brumbies half-back Nic White.

We’ll see how we go (with the scans) and hopefully it’s not too bad.

Deans had included only one half-back, Will Genia, when he announced his initial squad last month, leaving the option open of naming a back-up nine when he adds six players to his line-up on June 11.

He has refused to rule out using Luke Burgess, who is returning from the French Top 14 to link up with the Rebels.

Deans says the inclusion of Phipps shows loyalty to the 24-year-old, who replaced Genia as the Wallabies’ starting half-back last year when the latter suffered a season-ending knee injury.

“Nick proved last year that he had the qualities to make a difference in the Test arena,” Deans said in a statement.

“He was called on at a time of great adversity and responded. His work rate makes a big difference to those around him, as does his enthusiasm both on and off the field.

“Pleasingly he has taken the benefits of his experience from last year back to the Rebels and added to them. He has been a point of difference player for the team this year and one of the leaders within their group.”

Deans says the elevation of Phipps does not mean White is out of contention for the Lions series.

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First posted


June 02, 2013 09:53:19

Rugby Union: Scott Higginbotham drops out of Wallabies" prliminary squad for ...

Scotland South Africa tour: David Denton determined

The squad flew into Johannesburg yesterday for a four-team tournament, which will see them come up against the host nation, as well as Samoa and Italy.

Interim head coach Scott Johnson has named a number of uncapped players in the group but Denton made it clear Scotland fully intend to come out on top.

The Edinburgh forward said: “It’s going to be massively physical. We are going to play on hard ground, against big hitters, big people. That suits my game down to a tee so I’m looking forward to it and I’m sure the rest of the guys are as well.

“Johnno said from the get-go that his selections were going to be based on form. It’s about building a team but we are going out there to win. He’s not selecting people who don’t deserve to play just because they are young; he’s selecting the best players. It just so happens that those guys are young. I’m really looking forward to the challenge and so will all the other guys be.”

At the age of 23, Zimbabwe-born Denton is just one of the prospects for a future he believes is bright for the Scots. He said: “There is no doubt about how much potential this team has got. We’ve got a lot of young players, particularly on this tour, that have a wealth of international experience now. There are a few of us at the age of 22, 23, who have played a few games.”

The Scottish Rugby Union announced last week that Vern Cotter is to become Scotland’s next head coach when his contract with Clermont Auvergne ends in June 2014. Denton welcomed the appointment, saying: “He’s done really well with his club team so I’m looking forward to him joining us. It’s always nice to change things up a bit. I think bringing him in is going to be great, along with the senior players that we have.

“Hopefully now we can get that consistency through to the World Cup. It’s been great working with Johnno and he’s still going to have a big involvement with the team, which is great. I think he has been a real benefit to Scottish rugby.”

Meanwhile, the Scottish Thistles sevens side finished runners up in the Plate final yesterday at the Marstons GB7s Series at Eirias Park in Colwyn Bay.

Thistles began a testing set of ties in Pool 2 by facing Crawshays Welsh in a battle of the Celtic nations. Crawshays made a positive start by establishing a 21-7 interval lead, but a second-half revival and a try by Watsonians’ Liam Steele levelled the scores at 21-21, only for the Welsh side to pull away again and win 38-21.

In their second tie the Thistles fought hard against a strong Marauders side but in the end had to settle for a 21-19 defeat.

Then against Samurai, captained by Selkirk’s Fraser Harkness, the Thistles were overrun 35-5, the Scots’ third defeat placing them bottom of their group. Top scorer for the Thistles in the pool matches was the Melrose stand-off Andrew Skeen, with 15 points while Steele ran in two tries.

Despite a disappointing set of group results, Scottish Thistles showed strong character in being able to bounce back against Pool 1 third place finishers Irish Exiles in the Plate semi-final, two tries by the Melrose player Richard Mill and three conversions from Skeen helping the Scots to a stylish 38-5 victory and a place in the Plate final.

Then in the fine Plate final Thistles looked to be heading for victory but in the last touch of the ball Olorun Marauders snatched a 28-26 win.

The competition moves to Edinburgh this week.

n Castres clinched their first French title in 20 years when they upset Toulon 19-14 in the Top 14 final at the Stade de France last night.

Toulon, who were aiming for a Heineken Cup-Top 14 double, lacked creativity, and Jonny Wilkinson’s nine points were not enough as South African scrum-half Rory Kockott scored a try and kicked eight points and Remi Tales added two late drop goals for Castres. Delon Armitage scored a consolation try for Toulon.

Scotland South Africa tour: David Denton determined

Vern Cotter is new head coach of Scotland rugby team

The Scottish Rugby Union today announced the 51-year-old would begin his role in June 2014, when his contract at French club Clermont Auvergne expires.

SRU chief executive Mark Dodson said: “We always knew we would secure Vern’s services from June 2014, until then, he will be on hand to assist Scott Johnson and the Scotland coaching team with advice during the autumn Tests in November and the 2014 RBS 6 Nations Championship before joining us full-time as head coach ahead of our summer tour next year.”

The SRU announced earlier this month that interim head coach Scott Johnson would make way when it had found a permanent successor to Andy Robinson, who quit after defeat by Tonga in November last year.

Johnson was appointed director of rugby but he will continue in charge of the team for a second RBS 6 Nations campaign before making way for Cotter to have more than a full year in the post to prepare for the 2015 World Cup.

Cotter led Clermont to the Heineken Cup final and the French Top 14 play-offs this season before revealing after a semi-final defeat in the latter to Castres this weekend that next season would be his last at the club.

Cotter joined Clermont in 2006 after being part of the coaching team that helped Canterbury Crusaders to consecutive Super Rugby titles.

Dodson added: “We are delighted to have secured the services of a coach of Vern’s pedigree for the Scotland team.

“Vern is rightly regarded as one of the top coaches in the world and to have secured someone of his calibre is a coup for Scotland.

“He was our first choice as head coach and we are pleased to have secured him on a two-year contract taking us up to and beyond the Rugby World Cup 2015.

“We compiled a shortlist of world-class candidates last December and Vern was top of that list.

“We did our business with Vern some months ago and we believe we have the best man for the role with our national team. It’s a measure of our standing that we have him on board.

“We delayed our announcement out of respect to Clermont and Vern as they prepared for the two most important games in their season. We are satisfied that we conducted our business in an honourable fashion and are sure Clermont appreciated our discretion.”

In an SRU statement, Cotter said: “I’m absolutely thrilled and honoured to have been appointed to the role of Scotland head coach.

“Mark Dodson and the team at Scottish Rugby have a strategic vision and a determination to do something very special in the coming time and working with them and a talented group of players and coaches I look forward to the Scotland team growing in competitiveness and stature. We will build a winning team together.

“I have been in regular contact with Mark and Scott Johnson in recent weeks and I’m delighted that Jonathan Humphreys has joined the coaching team.

“I very much look forward to joining Scotland and until I do permanently I will be on hand to support Scott and the coaches with any advice and support they need.”

Johnson led Scotland to a third-placed finish in the Six Nations and advised the SRU on the recruitment process.

The Australian said: “I believe this is a real coup for Scottish Rugby. Vern Cotter is a top rugby coach who is amongst the most highly-regarded coaches in the world.”

Cotter led Clermont to the European Challenge Cup in his first season in charge and the French title in 2010 after a hat-trick of second-placed finishes.

Vern Cotter is new head coach of Scotland rugby team