Cotter tops shortlist for Blues head coach job

The Blues have whittled it down to three contenders to succeed Leon Macdonald as head coach, with the highly regarded Vern Cotter understood to be at the head of the list as the franchise treads carefully with an appointment it is determined to get right.

Now the other two Kiwi franchises with vacancies to fill have made their moves – the Crusaders on Tuesday announced Rob Penney would succeed All Blacks head coach-in-waiting Scott Robertson, following the Hurricanes’ appointment of Kiwi sevens guru Clarke Laidlaw – attention swings to the Blues who have cast the net wide in their search for the right man to step into Macdonald’s sizeable boots for 2024 and beyond.

Macdonald and current Canes boss Jason Holland will both be part of Robertson’s All Blacks coaching setup from 2024 and that has created a major head coaching vacuum at the Super Rugby level for next year.

And though there is a perception that the Blues are missing out on key people and are chasing their tails as last cab off the rank, the reality is the franchise is comfortable with the timeline it is on and may now wait to make a decision until after its ‘23 finals run has ended.

The Blues host the NSW Waratahs in the first of the Super Rugby Pacific quarterfinals tomorrow night, with the prospect of a blockbuster semifinal against perennial champs the Crusaders looming next weekend should both teams progress. They are happy for it to be a distraction-free environment.

The franchise did not want to comment on the coaching appointment process, but did tell Stuff, via a spokesperson: ‘‘We’re not in a hurry. We’ve still got options we’re working through and continue to have dialogue with those people. We’re quite comfortable for this to be completed by season’s end.’’

The Blues are seeking a veteran presence to complement their stable of young assistants, and are prepared to be patient to get the right man. It’s likely that Cotter, one of a trio the Blues are still talking with, ticks most of their boxes and would be their preferred candidate. He is also likely to be in demand globally, but it’s understood a return to Super Rugby holds appeal.

The former Bay of Plenty head coach and Crusaders assistant had a highly successful stint in charge at Clermont Auvergne from 2006-14 and also guided Scotland (2014-17), Montpellier (2017-19) and most recently Fiji (2017-13) before electing to step away in World Cup year.

Stuff understands the Blues are also in discussions with former All Blacks and Crusaders assistant Brad Mooar around their vacant role, and had been talking with Laidlaw prior to his Hurricanes appointment.

One name that has been linked closely with the franchise is current All Blacks assistant Joe Schmidt. Stuff understands the former Ireland boss, who assisted Leon Macdonald in 2022 before stepping into his national role, has never been considered for the head coach’s job.

Schmidt has made it clear to the Blues he would help out in an advisory capacity, but did not want the top role.