Vern Cotter to leave Blues after 2026 Super Rugby season as Reds sign Les Kiss replacement

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The move has been framed by the Blues as a managed transition, with the decision announced ahead of the new season to provide clarity for players, staff and supporters. Blues CEO Karl Budge said transparency was key to the timing of the announcement.

“This has been part of a long-term strategy, and both Vern and the club felt it was the right thing to be open and clear before the season begins,” Budge said. “We hugely appreciate everything Vern has done and continues to do for the club. He has delivered exactly what he was brought in to do. The Blues have a strong performance environment, clear DNA of how we want to play and know what it takes to be champions.”

Cotter joined the Blues in 2024 on a three-year deal and immediately made an impact, guiding the club to the 2024 Super Rugby Pacific title, their first in 21 years. Under his leadership, the Blues re-established themselves as consistent finals contenders, built on standards, connection and long-term development.

Despite the confirmed move, the Blues have stressed Cotter’s commitment to the 2026 campaign remains total. “Vern is 100 percent focused on the job at hand,” Budge said. “He is deeply invested in this playing group and this organisation, and that does not change. We know he will continue to lead with the same professionalism and drive that has defined his time here.”

Cotter echoed that sentiment, saying his decision to join the Reds was made with respect and gratitude for the Blues and New Zealand Rugby. “When I arrived, I was brought in to help create a winning culture, and 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 said.

“The landscape has changed significantly since I came in, and it genuinely feels like the club is well set up for its next phase of evolution. There has been a lot of good during my time here, and I’m proud of what we’ve built together.

“Timing is always important in this game, and it feels like the right moment for both me and the club to plan for what comes next. This club has a proud history and a special connection with its people. Right now, my focus is firmly on the 2026 season and doing everything I can to help this team perform at its best and leave the club in a strong position.”

He added: “People should expect my full commitment to the Blues this season. I’m 100 percent locked in for this season. My focus is on this group, this campaign, and making sure we finish strong. Other clubs should be watching closely.”

While the Blues begin their search for Cotter’s successor, attention now also turns to Queensland, where the QRU confirmed Cotter as the man to replace Les Kiss, who will transition into the Wallabies head coaching role in July.

The Queensland Rugby Union said Cotter emerged as the standout candidate following a comprehensive process, citing his 24 years of coaching experience, including trophy-winning campaigns with the Blues and Clermont-Auvergne, as well as his Test coaching stints with Scotland and Fiji.

Cotter, who has signed a two-year deal with the Reds, said he was impressed by the organisation and vision of Queensland Rugby.

"In professional sport, you don't want to be walking into a vague organisation. The Queensland Rugby Union has already shown it has some really smart people in the business, they are organised and they have a vision," Cotter said. "Every time I've taken a role in sport, it's been about the people… When I was contacted about the position, I was chuffed and proud. Australian rugby and Australian sport fascinates me.

“I did my homework. The Queensland mindset is strong… I pride myself on always looking to improve myself as a coach and I certainly feel this can make me a better coach. 'We train to win' is always my position."

QRU Chief Executive David Hanham described Cotter as the ideal appointment to lead the Reds into their next phase. “What stood out immediately to us was Vern’s character and how strongly he aligns with the values that define us as an organisation,” Hanham said.

“His record of sustained success speaks for itself… We are excited to welcome him to Queensland Rugby and into the Reds family and we are confident he will make a significant and lasting contribution to our future.”

Reds General Manager of High Performance Sam Cordingley added: “Our criteria was clear - we wanted a coach with a history of title success capable of building on the strong High-Performance environment Les has created at the Reds.

“Vern brings a rare combination of international experience and title success in both the northern and southern hemispheres."

Current Reds head coach Les Kiss said he was looking forward to ensuring a smooth transition.

"I look forward to ensuring the transition to Vern is a good one,” Kiss said. “As part of the coaching group and team management, we are really excited to put everything into a big 2026 season at the Reds with all we have been training and working at."

For now, Cotter’s immediate focus remains firmly with the Blues, who open their Super Rugby Pacific campaign against the Chiefs at Eden Park on Saturday 14 February, before he eventually embarks on the next chapter of his coaching career in Australia.