Racing
League
Rugby
Cricket
Golf
Olympics
Football
Motorsport
Combat Sports
Basketball
Other Sports
Sport Nation
📻 How to tune into Sport Nation
'Proud of what we built': Cotter set to depart after choosing Reds over Blues
Sport Nation •  January 27th, 2026 11:14 am
Vern Cotter | Photo: Photosport
Head coach Vern Cotter will part ways with the Blues at the end of the upcoming Super Rugby season.
On Tuesday, the team confirmed Cotter will not seek to extend his stay with the side, having signed to become the Queensland Reds head coach from 2027.
Cotter began his tenure with the Blues in 2024 on a three-year deal which expires at the end of this season.
The decision essentially takes Cotter out of the running as a candidate for the vacant All Blacks head coach role.
The former Scotland coach oversaw a resurgent few seasons for the Blues, highlighted by their drought-breaking Super Rugby title in his first year in charge.
Cotter believes he's taken the team as far as he could and is ready to hand over the reins.
Sumo on NZ Rugby's startling Super Rugby admission | Scotty & Izzy
"When I arrived, I was brought in to help create a winning culture, and over the past few years we’ve had a lot of mature, honest conversations about where the club was and where it needed to go," he said in a statement.
"The landscape has changed significantly since I came in, and it genuinely feels like the club is well set up for its next phase of evolution. There has been a lot of good during my time here, and I’m proud of what we’ve built together.
"Timing is always important in this game, and it feels like the right moment for both me and the club to plan for what comes next.
"This club has a proud history and a special connection with its people. Right now, my focus is firmly on the 2026 season and doing everything I can to help this team perform at its best and leave the club in a strong position."
New Blues CEO Karl Budge said it was important to provide clarity on Cotter's situation before the coach's final year commenced, paying tribute to his contribution to the franchise.
"This has been part of a long-term strategy, and both Vern and the club felt it was the right thing to be open and clear before the season begins," Budge said.
"We hugely appreciate everything Vern has done and continues to do for the club. He has delivered exactly what he was brought in to do. The Blues have a strong performance environment, clear DNA of how we want to play and know what it takes to be champions."
The recruitment process for Cotter's successor is already underway, with more details to follow in the coming weeks.
The Blues kick-off their new campaign against the Chiefs on February 14.
