Vern Cotter will leave the Blues at the end of the 2026 Shop N Save Super Rugby Pacific season.
He confirmed a move to the Queensland Reds from 2027, therefore ruling himself out of the current search for a new All Black coach.
Cotter was an outside chance to replace Scott Robertson, as he fits all the criteria set out by NZ Rugby for the successful applicant.
The news comes hard on the heels of Joe Schmidt and Tony Brown both reaffirming their commitments to the Wallabies and Springboks, respectively.
Cotter says timing is always important in this game, and it feels like the right moment for both him and the club to plan for what comes next.
New Blues CEO, Karl Budge says the decision to announce Cotter's future ahead of the season was important, with the coach finishing his original three year deal with the team.
Cotter had immediate success with the Blues, guiding them to a landmark title win in 2024. The 2025 season was initially rocky, with the Blues struggling through the first half, before a massive resurgence saw them make the semi-finals.
Budge says 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.
He says they 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 they want to play and know what it takes to be champions.
The Blues play the Hurricanes 12.30pm Friday at Sacred Heart College, Auckland.
Meanwhile the Swire Shipping Fijian Drua meet the Chiefs at 4pm Friday at Mount Maunganui, the Crusaders play the Highlanders 2.30pm Friday at Fraser Park, Western Force meet the ACT Brumbies at 8.35pm Friday at Scotch College, Perth.
Source: rnz.co.nz
