Auckland Blues coach to replace next Wallabies coach Les Kiss in 2027

Vern Cotter says he has already been in in-depth talks to help guide Australian rugby towards a brighter future and has never been in the mix to take the All Blacks coaching reins.

The New Zealander, who is currently in charge of Super Rugby powerhouse Auckland Blues, will replace Les Kiss at the Queensland Reds from 2027, with Les Kiss taking over the Wallabies’ top job.

Cotter has won two titles for himself in 2024, with the Blues and Clermont Auvergne in the French Top 14, while also having strong international success in Scotland.

He was being mooted as a potential option for the vacant All Blacks spot but the 64-year-old said he had already been persuaded to move to Queensland long before Kiwi coach Scott Robertson recovered from his shock.

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“The All Black job was a surprise to everyone, no one expected Razer to leave his position and I was already well down the road with the Reds and the management had been discussing the potential coaching opportunity with them for three months,” said Cotter, while backing Jamie Joseph and Dave Rennie for the job in New Zealand.

“I had verbally given my acceptance to the Reds before the All Blacks thing came up, so it was never a viable option. Of course, as Kiwis, we would love to coach the All Blacks, but that’s not the point.”

“I’m really excited about what the Reds want to do and develop, I think it’s a challenge for me and I’m not happy with where I’m at as a coach. I think change is growth and it’s going to be a great opportunity.”

Kiss will take charge of Australia when his Reds obligations expire after the 2026 Super Rugby Pacific season, with Cotter expected to arrive at Ballymore around the end of July or early August.