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Blues Coach Leaving for Aussie Super Rugby Side, Ruling Out ABs Job
Vern Cotter will leave the Blues after winning the 2024 Super Rugby title to coach the Queensland Reds on a two-year contract starting in 2027.
- Jan 26, 2026: Vern Cotter, Blues head coach, will finish the 2026 Super Rugby Pacific season and join the Queensland Reds the following year on a two-year deal.
- Attracted by the QRU's vision, Cotter cited his connection with Sam Cordingley, Reds general manager , and completion of his initial three-year Blues plan as reasons for his move.
- The coach highlighted his international pedigree, saying `I did my homework` and noting `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`.
- Cotter's move removes him from All Blacks contention, narrowing New Zealand Rugby's options, while Les Kiss will steer the Reds through the season and the Blues accelerate their replacement process.
- Having built a competitive squad in recent years, the Queensland Reds have faced quarter-final defeats in four recent seasons, making Cotter's two-year deal vital amid coaching market shifts with Joe Schmidt and Tony Brown commitments.
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14 Articles
14 Articles
Sydney Morning HeraldReposted by 
The Age
The AgeWhy Kiss successor’s All Blacks ambitions were ‘never really a viable option’
Les Kiss’ replacement at the Queensland Reds has been revealed, with a two-time championship-winning coach from two different competitions named at the helm.
·Sydney, Australia
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Coverage Details
Total News Sources14
Leaning Left3Leaning Right0Center4Last UpdatedBias Distribution57% Center
Bias Distribution
- 57% of the sources are Center
57% Center
L 43%
C 57%
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