RWC blow for Fiji as Vern Cotter steps down as coach.
New Zealander Vern Cotter has stepped down as Fiji’s coach little more than eight months out from the Rugby World Cup in France.
Fiji Rugby Union chairman Humphrey Tawake told a hastily arranged news conference in Suva on Thursday that Cotter’s resignation for undisclosed personal reasons was accepted.
He added that a new coach would be appointed “in due course”, saying he hoped it would be this month.
Cotter was assisted by fellow New Zealanders Daryl Gibson and Glen Jackson in Fiji. In a statement, Cotter expressed regret for his sudden departure.
“I would like to take this opportunity to thank the players and coaches I have worked with during my time with the team,” he said.
“I feel the team has made some significant improvements over the last few years both on and off the field.
“I believe we built a great culture which was testament to some good people working hard and enjoying each other’s company and I’m disappointed to be leaving at this time.”
Cotter coached Fiji for three years and oversaw 10 Tests with wins against Georgia, Tonga and Spain.
Previously, he’d been the coach of Scotland, leading them to the 2015 World Cup quarter-finals.
