Clermont Auvergne hands over new two-year contract to Vern Cotter – Rugby News
Clermont–Ferrand based French professional Rugby Union club, Clermont Auvergne, has handed over a new professional contract to their head coach, Vern Cotter. Officials at the club have confirmed
the signing of a new two-year professional deal with Cotter in a statement released on their website on Monday, October 31.
Cotter has expressed his happiness on signing new contract with the club. He said, “I'm happy to continue my adventure that I began six seasons ago at Clermont.”
Clermont Auvergne’s president, Rene Fontes has expressed his delight on retaining the services of Cotter with the franchise and added, “His (Cotter's) decision is more than satisfying, it's
a relief as there are still things to do together.”
The new deal is an extension of his contract, which will keep him at Clermont Auvergne until 2014. The confirmation of the contract has stopped the speculation regarding Cotter’s return to
New Zealand for All Blacks support staff position.
New Zealand born Cotter is a former New Zealand professional Rugby Union player who has played for both New Zealand and French Rugby Union sides. He ended his career as a player with French
Rugby Union side, Castelnau-US Madiran in 1999.
The 49-year-old Cotter started his Rugby Union coaching career with New Zealand’s provincial Rugby Union outfit, Bay of Plenty in 2000. He remained in charge of the Bay of Plenty until 2004.
In 2004, he took the charge of the head coach, of the New Zealand Super Rugby franchise, Crusaders. He remained in charge of Crusaders until the end of 2006 Super Rugby season.
Cotter returned to Northern Hemisphere to start his coaching career with the French Top 14 outfit, Clermont Auvergne in 2006. He helped Auvergne to clinch their first ever title in 2010 by
defeating Perpignan in the final of the 2010/11 French Top 14 season.
Commenting on his new contract, Cotter added, “The directors have reassured me of the club's ambitions over the coming seasons and there are still great things to achieve. I like this region.”
He has expressed his desire that his side would like to win the Heineken Cup this year to mark 100 years of the club.
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