Cotter bids farewell to Blues after 52-21 Hurricanes semi-final defeat ends his tenure

Vern Cotter’s tenure as Blues head coach came to a close on Saturday night as his side were beaten 52-21 by the Hurricanes in Wellington, ending their 2026 Super Rugby Pacific campaign at the semi-final stage. The Auckland-based franchise trailed by only five points at halftime but were overwhelmed by a second-half try blitz from the in-form Hurricanes.

Cotter, who had entered the contest as a ‘lucky loser’ after finishing the regular season outside the top four, reflected warmly on his three years in charge despite the heavy defeat. “I don’t have much time to say it, but I loved it. I loved working with these boys. I loved every moment. I was born in Auckland, so it was nice to be able to coach a team that you’re born in,” he told media in Wellington after the final whistle.

The 64-year-old departs having delivered one Super Rugby Pacific title in 2024 and back-to-back semi-final appearances in 2025 and 2026. He has already signed with the Queensland Reds ahead of next season, but expressed confidence in the group he leaves behind. “It’ll go again. A new coach next year, he’ll bring in some new ideas, develop the game with the players he has and the players he’ll bring in. It’ll be good — it’s a proud club, and the players are very proud of the jersey.”

Cotter drew a parallel with his own arrival three years ago, when the Blues had also suffered a painful semi-final exit to the Crusaders. “I think these boys will pick that up, and they’ll start preseason with a real edge to it,” he said.

Blues captain and All Blacks lock Patrick Tuipulotu paid tribute to his departing coach, crediting Cotter’s understated wisdom as a defining feature of his leadership. “From where I’ve been in this club, and where we are now, it’s very positive, and I’ve thoroughly enjoyed and relished my time under VC — he’s certainly going to be missed. I know I’m going to miss a little bit of gold around the place.”

The defeat also brought an end to the Blues careers of several players. Loose-forwards Dalton Papali’i and Hoskins Sotutu will both leave the club, while back AJ Lam is set to join Harry Plummer at Clermont in the French Top 14.