SCOTLAND HEAD COACH Vern Cotter has signed a new contract extension until 2017.
The former Clermont boss has been in charge for just over 12 months, despite agreeing to become manager a year previous.
Despite winning four of his first five games in charge, two of which were against Argentina, Scotland went winless during the Six Nations Championship in 2015, and have now won just once in their last seven, a 27-12 win against Tonga in November.
However, the Six Nations wooden spoon hasn’t deterred the Scottish Rugby Union, who have shown their faith in the New Zealander by extending hiss contract until 2017 ahead of this weekend’s World Cup warm-up test against Ireland at the Aviva Stadium.
“The culture of rugby is strong in this country and it’s important that passion is reflected in the performances of the national team,” Cotter said.
“We take great pride in the honour that represents and, while it’s pleasing to be in a position to plan longer term, our focus is absolutely fixed on preparing for the Rugby World Cup.”
Scotland face further warm-ups against France and two tests with Italy, before their World Cup opener against Japan on September 23.
While South Africa are favourites to top Pool B, the remaining quarter final spot looks wide open, with Scotland, Samoa, Japan and USA all vying for a place in the last eight.
Great news for Scottish Rugby!!
So much potential in the Scottish national team. Finn Russell, Sam Hidalgo Clyne, Mark Bennett, Stuart Hogg, Richie, Richie Gray, Jonny Gray, David Denton, Alex Dunbar are all around 21 to 25 years old. And Josh Strauss now Scots Qualified will add a lot to that team.
I’m guessing Gregor Townsend wasn’t interested in going for it yet.
was thinking he might replace les kiss with view to replacing Joe in few years
I’m not convinced by Vern Cotter. To constantly fall short with such a talented team as Clermont was a real black mark. Yes they played good rugby but lacks the killer instinct of many coaches. Schmidt won multiple Heineken Cups and League titles before taking over with Ireland. Unless we see him get serious results with Scotland I have no interest in him managing Ireland. Two trophies in 16 years as a coach isn’t nearly good enough. Dont get the hype.
Italy are in Ireland’s group not Scotland’s
A bit like Clare in the hurling with Davy Fitz?
So technically there is a huge chance I could be Scotland manager. Hmm.
Pretty sure Italy are not in Scotland’s World Cup group