SH International Rugby (other than TRC, ABs)
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Cotter Appointed Fiji Airways Flying Fijians Head Coach
Fiji Rugby Union are thrilled to announce the appointment of New Zealander Vern Cotter as the incoming Fiji Airways Flying Fijians Head Coach. The two-time Super Rugby and Top 14 Championship winner will take the reins of the Flying Fijians program upon finalization of his commitments with Montpellier.
Vern Cotter commenced his coaching career two decades ago with the Bay of Plenty (NZ) where with Joe Schmidt as his Assistant, they won the Ranfurly Shield for the first time in the Province’s history and made the play-offs. He was then approached by the Crusaders to coach the forwards and in his first year they made the final and he then was involved in them winning a Super Rugby title in 2005 and 2006 before he headed to Clermont in France. At Clermont he turned the team around and they made multiple finals and won the Top 14 for the first time on their history in the 2009/10 season. Cotter also presided over Clermont winning 77 games at home which was and still is a world record within the professional game. He was then approached by Scotland to be their Head Coach and was the most successful Head Coach of Scotland in the professional area with a (53%) win record which included wins against France, Argentina, Italy, Ireland and Wales. Cotter was the Head Coach for Scotland at the 2015 Rugby World Cup. Hardwired for success and known for his straight shooting and technical-tactical approach, Chairman Kean says the new Head Coach is expected to ignite a step up in performance for the Flying Fijians as they progress towards the 2023 Rugby World Cup in France.
Commander Kean said Mr. Cotter is expected to arrive in Fiji following the completion of his contract with Montpellier, in time to coach the Flying Fijians for first test scheduled against Tonga in Tonga on July 4, 2020. “We hope he can get to us earlier than then, but this depends on the play-offs in France, and other matters.” In his role, Mr. Cotter will also focus on coach development and succession planning through upskilling local provincial Coaches and, taking local Coaches such as Senirusi Seruvakula, Koli Sewabu, Kele Leawere, Inoke Male and Ifereimi Rawaqa under his mentorship to prepare them as potential successors for the Flying Fijians Coaching position.
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Holding pattern for ABs bid in two years?
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@Machpants I can't find anywhere for how long he has been appointed. I assumed it was up to and including the 2023 RWC, but that may be wrong.
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@Stargazer said in SH International Rugby (other than TRC, ABs):
@Machpants I can't find anywhere for how long he has been appointed. I assumed it was up to and including the 2023 RWC, but that may be wrong.
I doubt Fiji would play hardball with the NZRU if there isn't an outclause already. It wouldn't be shocking to see Schmidt pop up there in an informal capacity either now would it? Good opportunity for both to get fresh and recharge but still keep their toe in the water.
It will be curious because despite the contract being for two years if Foster isn't renewed before the 2021 TRC (like Henry in 09 and Hansen in 13 were) the public pressure will likely be on Foster game to game.
The wild card is Robinson as CEO, but it's difficult to see Foster getting the automatic extension if the ABs perform as they have the last three seasons if Gatland (post Lions duties and on NZRU retainer) and Scmidt/Cotter potentially are waiting in the wings. If Foster is forced to reapply, like with Smith and Mitchell he best not even bother.
It's been over 17 years since there was public discontent over the AB coach that wasn't contained to Christchurch; when previously it was the norm. It will be interesting to see what it looks like in 2020!
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@rotated said in SH International Rugby (other than TRC, ABs):
@Stargazer said in SH International Rugby (other than TRC, ABs):
@Machpants I can't find anywhere for how long he has been appointed. I assumed it was up to and including the 2023 RWC, but that may be wrong.
I doubt Fiji would play hardball with the NZRU if there isn't an outclause already. It wouldn't be shocking to see Schmidt pop up there in an informal capacity either now would it? Good opportunity for both to get fresh and recharge but still keep their toe in the water.
It will be curious because despite the contract being for two years if Foster isn't renewed before the 2021 TRC (like Henry in 09 and Hansen in 13 were) the public pressure will likely be on Foster game to game.
The wild card is Robinson as CEO, but it's difficult to see Foster getting the automatic extension if the ABs perform as they have the last three seasons if Gatland (post Lions duties and on NZRU retainer) and Scmidt/Cotter potentially are waiting in the wings. If Foster is forced to reapply, like with Smith and Mitchell he best not even bother.
It's been over 17 years since there was public discontent over the AB coach that wasn't contained to Christchurch; when previously it was the norm. It will be interesting to see what it looks like in 2020!
WTF? Do you call coaching Fiji "get fresh and recharge" as if it's not a genuine head coaching role? It's not a holiday job!
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@Stargazer said in SH International Rugby (other than TRC, ABs):
@rotated said in SH International Rugby (other than TRC, ABs):
@Stargazer said in SH International Rugby (other than TRC, ABs):
@Machpants I can't find anywhere for how long he has been appointed. I assumed it was up to and including the 2023 RWC, but that may be wrong.
I doubt Fiji would play hardball with the NZRU if there isn't an outclause already. It wouldn't be shocking to see Schmidt pop up there in an informal capacity either now would it? Good opportunity for both to get fresh and recharge but still keep their toe in the water.
It will be curious because despite the contract being for two years if Foster isn't renewed before the 2021 TRC (like Henry in 09 and Hansen in 13 were) the public pressure will likely be on Foster game to game.
The wild card is Robinson as CEO, but it's difficult to see Foster getting the automatic extension if the ABs perform as they have the last three seasons if Gatland (post Lions duties and on NZRU retainer) and Scmidt/Cotter potentially are waiting in the wings. If Foster is forced to reapply, like with Smith and Mitchell he best not even bother.
It's been over 17 years since there was public discontent over the AB coach that wasn't contained to Christchurch; when previously it was the norm. It will be interesting to see what it looks like in 2020!
WTF? Do you call coaching Fiji "get fresh and recharge" as if it's not a genuine head coaching role? It's not a holiday job!
it's in Fiji! of course it is! It's all midday Fiji Gold's and snorkeling.
Plus Fiji only play like 7 times a year.
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@mariner4life said in SH International Rugby (other than TRC, ABs):
@Stargazer said in SH International Rugby (other than TRC, ABs):
@rotated said in SH International Rugby (other than TRC, ABs):
@Stargazer said in SH International Rugby (other than TRC, ABs):
@Machpants I can't find anywhere for how long he has been appointed. I assumed it was up to and including the 2023 RWC, but that may be wrong.
I doubt Fiji would play hardball with the NZRU if there isn't an outclause already. It wouldn't be shocking to see Schmidt pop up there in an informal capacity either now would it? Good opportunity for both to get fresh and recharge but still keep their toe in the water.
It will be curious because despite the contract being for two years if Foster isn't renewed before the 2021 TRC (like Henry in 09 and Hansen in 13 were) the public pressure will likely be on Foster game to game.
The wild card is Robinson as CEO, but it's difficult to see Foster getting the automatic extension if the ABs perform as they have the last three seasons if Gatland (post Lions duties and on NZRU retainer) and Scmidt/Cotter potentially are waiting in the wings. If Foster is forced to reapply, like with Smith and Mitchell he best not even bother.
It's been over 17 years since there was public discontent over the AB coach that wasn't contained to Christchurch; when previously it was the norm. It will be interesting to see what it looks like in 2020!
WTF? Do you call coaching Fiji "get fresh and recharge" as if it's not a genuine head coaching role? It's not a holiday job!
it's in Fiji! of course it is! It's all midday Fiji Gold's and snorkeling.
Plus Fiji only play like 7 times a year.
My point was more the second than the first.
Games played in the previous cycle:
2016: 5
2017: 8
2018: 6
2019: 11Montpellier would have played 26 games plus 6-9 European Cup games in his final season as coach before transitioning upstairs. Bit of a difference.
The job has traditionally been done from the SH, so if Cotter wanted to move back to NZ after a decade up north (and he has reportedly made at least three attempts to do so in recent years presumably for less coin) then that would make even more sense.
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@Stargazer he seems to think NZR have magic powers and unlimited funds.
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Yup NZ need to pay for the PI, in both money and depth.
Fuck off
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The same guy that made a sweeeet living off NZ rugby and got to play for Tonga?
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Not sure why anyone would want this.
“If we can’t get a full TRC (Rugby Championship) because of the travel restrictions then we are looking at other things that we could do, a Wallabies versus Anzac invitation team. Something to be creative.”
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You'd think it's either Wallabies v All Blacks, or ANZAC XV v another country than Australia and New Zealand.
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This post is deleted!
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Snippets from the article below (which is behind the NZH paywall):
Vern Cotter is keen to lure several Super Rugby prospects and has assembled a quality New Zealand-led coaching team as he prepares to guide Fiji in a potentially daunting eight nations tournament later this year.
The former Bay of Plenty head coach and Crusaders assistant has been impressed by several Fiji-eligible prospects including Blues No 8 Hoskins Sotutu, loose head prop Alex Hodgman, who played under 20s for New Zealand and Fiji, Chiefs No 8 Pita Gus Sowakula, Crusaders prop George Bower and wing Manasa Mataele, who is yet to return from injury. "There's guys that have shown really good form," Cotter told the Herald . "Alex Hodgman from the Blues has gone really well. Sowakula is also playing well. "There's some really good players we'd love to be able to access. The guy we'd love to get is Hoskins Sotutu, but I think Ian Foster has probably got his eye on him. If Fozzie doesn't pick him, he is welcome to come and play for Fiji."
Since accepting the Fijian job in January, Cotter has recruited highly-regarded Crusaders forwards coach Jason Ryan, former Waratahs head coach Daryl Gibson, Glen Jackson, who retired from refereeing last year, and Richie Gray to his coaching team. Gibson will lead Fiji's backline and attack; Ryan the forward pack, Jackson skills and kicking while Gray, who worked with the Springboks from 2014-16 and Cotter at Scotland and Montpellier, will oversee the contact area.
Following the Pacific Nations Cup in October, Fiji are expected to compete alongside Japan against the traditional Six Nations powers from November 17 to December 5, with teams to be split into two pools of four. The eight-team tournament will this year replace the traditional northern-hosted November tours, with the Sanzaar nations instead hoping to stage the Rugby Championship in New Zealand during this window. Cotter is less enthused about the prospect of returning to Europe amid the pandemic, and having to quarantine for two weeks upon returning home, than he is the chance to assess where Fiji is at after their disappointing World Cup campaign last year. "The tournament is still not 100 per cent confirmed in November in Europe. It changes daily which is only natural because it's an uncertain landscape. We'll be delighted to be involved but we're waiting for the boxes to be ticked. "The concept itself is fascinating and would be really good for Fiji rugby considering there's probably 35 professional rugby players in Europe at the moment you could call on to play for Fiji.
https://www.nzherald.co.nz/rugby/news/article.cfm?c_id=80&objectid=12352101
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Sowakula should make himself available for Fiji as he won't be an AB. Hodgman will be closer to an AB jersey.
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@Stargazer said in SH International Rugby (other than TRC, ABs):
The former Bay of Plenty head coach and Crusaders assistant has been impressed by several Fiji-eligible prospects including Blues No 8 Hoskins Sotutu, loose head prop Alex Hodgman, who played under 20s for New Zealand and Fiji, Chiefs No 8 Pita Gus Sowakula, Crusaders prop George Bower and wing Manasa Mataele, who is yet to return from injury.
Well at least he identified some that were born in Fiji.
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@Tim said in SH International Rugby (other than TRC, ABs):
Good stuff. That should be excellent preparation for any friendlies down the line
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Krusty's back.
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Although they'll play in the NH, they're still a SH team, so posting it here.
2020 Flying Fijians squad announced for Autumn Nations Cup
Fiji Rugby’s 15s Head Coach Vern Cotter has named a powerful Flying Fijians touring squad to prepare for the upcoming Autumn Nations Cup in Europe later this month.
The 32 member squad will march into camp on 25 October in preparation to face France on 15 November, Italy on 21 November and Scotland 7 days later on 29 November at BT Murrayfield.
Flying Fijians will also play Portugal on 6 November as a warm up to the Autumn Nations Cup.
The touring squad welcomes 9 local based players Tevita Ikanivere, Samuela Tawake, Jone Koroiduadua, Chris Minimbi, Manueli Ratuniyarawa, Peni Matawalu, Simione Kuruvoli, Tuidraki Samusamuvodre and Serupepeli Vularika, who are part of the Skipper Cup and have been training together under the Fiji Rugby Academy.
New Zealand based Waikato prop Haereiti Hetet, Northland forward Temo Mayanavanua and France based Kitione Kamikamica and Lekima Tagitagivalu are also expected to earn their first cap during the tour.
“Haereiti is an unknown player but his father isn’t, he’s the son of Joeli Veitayaki, somebody who is very well known,” Cotter mentioned.
“Haereiti has really impressed us with his performance as he can play both sides, left and right, and he is very excited about this opportunity,” Cotter added.
LOOSEHEAD PROP
Eroni Mawi, Peni Ravai, Haereiti HetetHOOKER
Mesulame Dolokoto, Sam Matavesi, Tevita Ikanivere,TIGHTHEAD PROP
Samuela Tawake, Mesake Doge, Jone Koroiduadua,SECOND ROW
Tevita Ratuva, Leone Nakarawa, Temo Mayanavanua, Chris Minimbi,BACK ROW / UTILITY
Mesulame Kunavula, Kitione Kamikamica, Johnny Dyer, Albert Tuisue, Manueli Ratuniyarawa, Lekima Tagitagivalu,HALFBACK
Frank Lomani, Peni Matawalu, Simione Kuruvoli,FLYHALF
Ben Volavola, Tuidraki SamusamuvodreCENTER
Semi Radradra, Lepani Botia, Serupepeli Vularika, Jale Vatubua, Waisea NayacalevuWINGER
Nemani Nadolo, Josua Tuisova,FULLBACK
Kini Murimurivalu
Interesting to see Haereiti Hetet in that list. He played against Fiji, last year, in his first and only game for the Maori All Blacks.
No Peceli Yato. Injured?
And Nemani Nadolo is back!
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No Dominiko Waqaniburotu, or has he retired?
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@Stargazer said in SH International Rugby (other than TRC, ABs):
Although they'll play in the NH, they're still a SH team, so posting it here.
Interesting to see Haereiti Hetet in that list. He played against Fiji, last year, in his first and only game for the Maori All Blacks.
He is Joe Veitayaki's son
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@Higgins said in SH International Rugby (other than TRC, ABs):
@Stargazer said in SH International Rugby (other than TRC, ABs):
Although they'll play in the NH, they're still a SH team, so posting it here.
Interesting to see Haereiti Hetet in that list. He played against Fiji, last year, in his first and only game for the Maori All Blacks.
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He is Joe Veitayaki's son
Was this publicised when he made the Maori team?
Edit: Yep
https://www.teaomaori.news/next-generation-players-against-their-fathers-team
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His other son Manawa Veitayaki also plays for Otorohanga, and both were in the 2019 Waikato squad.
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It's not getting much attention in the sportsmedia in this part of the world, but there's a South Amercian 4 Nations being played at the moment. The venue is Estadio Charrúa in Montevideo (Uruguay). Strict Covid-19 measures have been taken before the tournament to ensure the health of the players and staff, and the tests are played without a crowd.
The four nations teams are Argentina XV, Chile XV, Uruguay and Brazil, and it's Chile that has been the surprise of the first two rounds of the tournament. Having lost by only one point to Argentina, they beat Uruguay with the same points difference.
Results of round 1 and 2:
Argentina XV 25 - 24 Chile XV
Uruguay 25 - 17 Brazil
Argentina XV 40 - 15 Brazil
Uruguay 21 - 22 Chile XVRound 3 (early Monday morning NZT): Chile XV v Brazil and Argentina XV v Uruguay.
While Argentina tops the table, both Chile and Uruguay can still win the tournament if they both win their last game. Picking up a bonus point will then determine who finishes on top.
Articles about this tournament in English can be found via this link: http://www.americasrugbynews.com/tag/south-american-4-nations.
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I know Fiji are involved in the Autumns nation cup but I would love to see a pacific nations cup even if it’s Samoa Tonga Japan and Canada I won’t include the US as they are struggling with COVID, heck even thrown in NZA
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@mikey07 Yeah, Argentina's second XV plays in this South American 4 Nations and has been playing international tournaments for years. There's no reason why our national 2nd XV, the All Blacks XV as they are called now, can't participate in official, international tournaments as well. I wouldn't have a problem with the Maori All Blacks playing the Pacific Nations Cup again, either. Japan dominated the last edition of the PNC, with only the USA able to offer them enough opposition; the All Blacks XV could do the same.
I'd love to watch it. Maybe something they should organise for the July international window (or whenever it is in the changed COVID calendar for 2021), so that European clubs are forced to release players.
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Weird number of replacements allowed in the South American Champs. Wonder if any matches will be treated as full cap internationals by World Rugby. e.g. Brazil v Chile
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@ARHS I saw early questions about the number of replacements on social media and apparently they have the normal number of replacements (8) during the games and the other ones - as I understand it - can only be used to make changes to the 23 before the games. Maybe it's some kind of Covid measure?
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@Stargazer Interesting. The match reports suggest something different. I did wonder if World Rugby had granted dispensation for extra replacements due to lack of matchplay and match conditioning for players. i.e. as a health and safety measure. Makes it tricky for statisticians....
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@stargazer important stuff to spend your money on, it'll help on field performances and overseas players
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The emblem looks very similar to the one used by the Waratahs one but from memory of my time in Samoa fifteen or so years back it bears a very strong resemblance to the beautiful Teuila (pronounced tay o wheeler if my memory can be relied upon) flower. I really wanted to bring one back to NZ with me but obviously couldn't due to MAF restrictions.
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Manu Samoa have announced their squad for the upcoming matches against the Maori All Blacks and Tonga.
Ah See Tuala - Northampton Saints, England
AJ Alatimu - Seattle Seawolves, USA
Aki Seiuli — Glasgow, Scotland *
Alamanda Motuga — Counties, New Zealand
Albert Anae — Melbourne Rebels, Australia *
Auvasa Falealii — Papatoetoe, New Zealand
Ben Nee Nee — Kamaisihi, Japan
D'Angelo Leuila — Fraser Tech, New Zealand
Dwayne Polataivao — Pakuranga, New Zealand
Elisapeta Alofipo — Tama Uli Salelologa, Samoa *
Henry Stowers — Brumbies, Australia
Henry Taefu — Western Force, Australia
Jack Lam - NEC Green Rockets, Japan
Joe Perez — Laulii Lions, Samoa *
John Vaili — Aana Chiefs, Samoa
JP Sauni — Associates, Australia *
Kalolo Tuiloma — Counties, New Zealand *
Losi Filipo — Bay of Plenty, New Zealand *
Michael Alaalatoa — Crusaders, New Zealand- CAPTAIN
Neria Fomai — Hawkes Bay, New Zealand *
Olajuwon Noa — Hunter Wildfires, Australia *
Ray Niuia — Blues, New Zealand
Rodney Yona — Brumbies, Australia
Sam Slade — Counties, New Zealand *
Seilala Lam — Perpingnan, France
Stacey Ili — Melbourne Rebels, Australia
Teofilo Paulo — Avalon, New Zealand
Theodore McFarland — Moamoa Roosters, Samoa *
Tietie Tuimauga — Manawatu, New Zealand *
TJ loane — Glasgow, ScotlandTomasi Alosio — Hutt Old Boys Marist, New Zealand *
- Indicates non-capped players
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