Scotland Coach

by allyt2k Sun May 05, 2013 1:41 pm

First topic message reminder :

Breaking news; Mark Dodson, SR CEO, announces "We have concluded our search for a head coach and will announce that in coming weeks."

Any Ideas? sounds like its someone still in a job

by RubyGuby Fri May 10, 2013 1:54 pm

cakeordeath wrote:It's just going to be a huge disappointment.

Maybe you should just give the fella a chance first thumbsup

by tigertattie Fri May 10, 2013 2:10 pm

Ruby makes a fair point to be honest!

by **RDW** Fri May 10, 2013 2:13 pm

Ruby – I think the disappointment will come if they don’t appoint a top coach with pedigree, as the SRU specifically said they would do a global search and speak to the best people available, and yet didn’t speak to Smith and McKenzie – two very experienced and successful coaches.

If they appoint someone who doesn’t have as much stellar quality having clearly not done a global search as they said they would, it would be disappointing.

Not saying we won’t get behind the coach, just disappointed with the SRU.

by kiakahaaotearoa Fri May 10, 2013 2:33 pm

RubyGuby wrote:
cakeordeath wrote:It's just going to be a huge disappointment.

Maybe you should just give the fella a chance first

Or maybe know who the fella is!

That said I can sympathise with the doom and gloom pessimism of some posters. The Scottish job always has an alarming tendency to be English cast offs or wandering lost souls. They always seem to plump for the muffin stump candidate: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0eipl17WpOo

by flyhalffactory Fri May 10, 2013 2:37 pm

RubyGuby wrote:Dai Young

Actually Ruby that might not be a massive surprise as I was told that was the rumour going around the inner sanctum of the SRU a fortnight ago, especially as Dai was asked to lead the Baa Baas coaching set-up in the highly publicised Lions v Barbarians content in Hong Kong. His CV as a player is up with the best of them playing over 50 times for Wales and a three times Lions tourist, the only dampener was Youngs relatively average success story at Cardiff Blues and to-date with Wasps coupled with none at an international stage.

In my opinion Todd Blackadder will be announced our new coach before the end of play Monday, and Baldrick will be our new water-boy Shocked

by cakeordeath Fri May 10, 2013 2:38 pm

RubyGuby wrote:
cakeordeath wrote:It's just going to be a huge disappointment.

Maybe you should just give the fella a chance first

I am referring to the fact that the SRU are being secretive which has led to speculation. So we are seeing a lot of big names being banded about. I don't think it's going to be any of them, and because everyones expectations were high....disappointment!

by cakeordeath Fri May 10, 2013 2:39 pm

RDW_Scotland wrote:Ruby – I think the disappointment will come if they don’t appoint a top coach with pedigree, as the SRU specifically said they would do a global search and speak to the best people available, and yet didn’t speak to Smith and McKenzie – two very experienced and successful coaches.

If they appoint someone who doesn’t have as much stellar quality having clearly not done a global search as they said they would, it would be disappointing.

Not saying we won’t get behind the coach, just disappointed with the SRU.

What he said

by funnyExiledScot Fri May 10, 2013 4:18 pm

Agree with RDW - as always with the SRU it's the omnishambles process that's the most frustrating, and given their tendency to just go for the guy standing closest, I think we have every right to be pessimistic.

I'd love to be wrong. I'd love to end up saying "well done SRU, worth all the secrecy to make sure the right man ends up in the job". I'd be surprised.

by red_stag Fri May 10, 2013 5:57 pm

Who do people expect to get it?

by **NeilyBroon** Fri May 10, 2013 6:00 pm

Todd Blackadder, with a little optimistic bet on Nick Mallett (because as a Scotland fan I need a detachment from reality every now and again)

by **NeilyBroon** Sun May 12, 2013 3:08 pm

hmm looks like we're not just resigned to these choices. The Sun reckons it'll be Vern Cotter of Clermont, which would be pretty good! http://www.thescottishsun.co.uk/scotsol/homepage/sport/4924192/Scots-want-Cotter.html

by poddy89 Sun May 12, 2013 6:35 pm

never heard of him before but from a quick look he seems like he would be a very good choice,

i think it is key that scotland get a top coach, not another countries past coaches or a gamble, we have a good team developing so hopefully they will get a coach that can take them the right way,

anyone know when it will be announced or is it still just at the end of the month?

by Artful_Dodger Sun May 12, 2013 6:41 pm

NeilyBroon wrote:hmm looks like we're not just resigned to these choices. The Sun reckons it'll be Vern Cotter of Clermont, which would be pretty good! http://www.thescottishsun.co.uk/scotsol/homepage/sport/4924192/Scots-want-Cotter.html

Cotter ruled himself out of the Ireland job as he's adamant that he's going to honour his contract with Clermont which has another year to go. Similar to McKenzie, I would be very very surprised if its Cotter. I think certain sections of the Scottish press and fans are starting to come up with names out of thin air now.

by SecretFly Sun May 12, 2013 6:43 pm

Jesus..Vern Cotter?
That would be excruciating in ways. I've had enough of the Clermont/Leinster battles to do me a lifetime (as in the games are always hard on the heart!)

So if Scotland get Cotter and Ireland have Schmidt................ the old battle resumes at International level.

by alive555 Sun May 12, 2013 7:43 pm

The only cotter coming our way is Andrew picard

by **RDW** Sun May 12, 2013 8:58 pm

Not sure I'd trust the Sun as a fountain of rugby knowledge...

by **NeilyBroon** Sun May 12, 2013 9:06 pm

RDW_Scotland wrote:Not sure I'd trust the Sun as a fountain of rugby knowledge...

I dunno, phone tapping is pretty reliable these days... Wink

by **George Carlin** Mon May 13, 2013 5:51 am

As Dodger has said, Cotter said he didn't want the Ireland job (not that he was necessarily offered it) so it doesn't really make sense that he would take a job with a lower ranked national team. So it seems unlikely and just the Sun filling space with non-boob related items.

Reasons it mighe be Cotter:

1. He changed his mind. If Clermont does the Top 14 and Heineken Cup double this year, why not bow out at the top? There is nowhere left to take the team.

2. Dodson has sold three of his remaining waiting staff/bottles of 1945 Macallan and has offered him a blank cheque.

3. Scott Johnson once saved him from drowning.

4. With the SRU, there is never a point 4.

by funnyExiledScot Mon May 13, 2013 10:19 am

George Carlin wrote:As Dodger has said, Cotter said he didn't want the Ireland job (not that he was necessarily offered it) so it doesn't really make sense that he would take a job with a lower ranked national team. So it seems unlikely and just the Sun filling space with non-boob related items.

Reasons it mighe be Cotter:

1. He changed his mind. If Clermont does the Top 14 and Heineken Cup double this year, why not bow out at the top? There is nowhere left to take the team.

2. Dodson has sold three of his remaining waiting staff/bottles of 1945 Macallan and has offered him a blank cheque.

3. Scott Johnson once saved him from drowning.

4. With the SRU, there is never a point 4.

GC - you forgot to mention the "Mark Bennett" factor. Cotter has first hand experience of how awesome he is - remember he headhunted him personally......

by **George Carlin** Mon May 13, 2013 11:53 am

funnyExiledScot wrote:
George Carlin wrote:As Dodger has said, Cotter said he didn't want the Ireland job (not that he was necessarily offered it) so it doesn't really make sense that he would take a job with a lower ranked national team. So it seems unlikely and just the Sun filling space with non-boob related items.

Reasons it mighe be Cotter:

1. He changed his mind. If Clermont does the Top 14 and Heineken Cup double this year, why not bow out at the top? There is nowhere left to take the team.

2. Dodson has sold three of his remaining waiting staff/bottles of 1945 Macallan and has offered him a blank cheque.

3. Scott Johnson once saved him from drowning.

4. With the SRU, there is never a point 4.

GC - you forgot to mention the "Mark Bennett" factor. Cotter has first hand experience of how awesome he is - remember he headhunted him personally......

So Cotter it is.

by sensisball Mon May 13, 2013 12:09 pm

If Vern Cotter took the job it would be the most amazing piece of SRU recruitment, bar none, in the pro era.

He has inherited a strong squad from Joe Schmidt and made it even more competitive. Partly by bringing in quality like Siviviatu, Stanley, Byrne and Hines but also by developing quality players through their academy: Fofana, Buttin, Nakaitaci, Lapandry etc. Not all the young guys are regular first team yet but it provides them with massive strength in depth.

This depth of talent has helped Clermont reach the final of the HC whilst finishing the regular Top 14 season in first place. Cotter is exactly the hard nosed, leave no stone unturned, kind of coach Scottish players need in order to bring the best out of themselves.

Just a pity it will never happen!

by Artful_Dodger Mon May 13, 2013 12:10 pm

sensisball wrote:If Vern Cotter took the job it would be the most amazing piece of SRU recruitment, bar none, in the pro era.

He has inherited a strong squad from Joe Schmidt and made it even more competitive. Partly by bringing in quality like Siviviatu, Stanley, Byrne and Hines but also by developing quality players through their academy: Fofana, Buttin, Nakaitaci, Lapandry etc. Not all the young guys are regular first team yet but it provides them with massive strength in depth.

This depth of talent has helped Clermont reach the final of the HC whilst finishing the regular Top 14 season in first place. Cotter is exactly the hard nosed, leave no stone unturned, kind of coach Scottish players need in order to bring the best out of themselves.

Just a pity it will never happen!

Cotter didn't inherit it from Schmidt. Cotter was Head Coach when Schmidt was there, Schmidt was attack/backs coach at Clermont before getting Head Coach at Leinster.

by **George Carlin** Mon May 13, 2013 12:21 pm

All of the Kiwi papers are at it now, quoting nothing more than the Scottish Sun, a source that surely makes the National Enquirier look like Reuters:

http://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/rugby/international/8665395/Vern-Cotter-linked-with-Scotland-job

http://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/auckland/news/sprug/1031058273-rugby--scotland-targets-vern-cotter

http://nz.sports.yahoo.com/rugby/news/article/-/17130218/rugby-scotland-targets-vern-cotter/

Can't help but think of this from Mr Sorkin:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BnWH_VkqlOM

At least it means Vernon will be forced to deny it if he's not planning on taking the job.

by **RDW** Mon May 13, 2013 12:41 pm

I'm just surprised how much the International media cares about it?? Must be a slow time for news just now!

by nickj Mon May 13, 2013 12:42 pm

Its been a while since I posted, but I couldn't resist chipping into the new coach debate.

I'd bloody love it if it was Vern Cotter. He could turn us into a cracking unit.

Personally I hope its not Dai Young. I don't see how he and Humphrey's would work together. They are both pure forwards men. I think Young will be staying as Wasps alongside Stephen Jones and Brad Davis. http://www.espnscrum.com/scrum/rugby/story/182496.html

Does anyone believe the rumours around Alan Solomons? http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alan_Solomons

by **George Carlin** Mon May 13, 2013 1:16 pm

nickj wrote:Its been a while since I posted, but I couldn't resist chipping into the new coach debate.

I'd bloody love it if it was Vern Cotter. He could turn us into a cracking unit.

Personally I hope its not Dai Young. I don't see how he and Humphrey's would work together. They are both pure forwards men. I think Young will be staying as Wasps alongside Stephen Jones and Brad Davis. http://www.espnscrum.com/scrum/rugby/story/182496.html

Does anyone believe the rumours around Alan Solomons? http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alan_Solomons

He's 62! He'll be spending more time on the treatment table than the players. Shocked

by tigertattie Mon May 13, 2013 1:51 pm

Has a date been set for the actual big reveal???

by cakeordeath Mon May 13, 2013 2:07 pm

End of May, which is a a little bit fuzzy

by **George Carlin** Mon May 13, 2013 2:50 pm

SRU chief executive Mark Dodson said: "We have concluded our search for a head coach and will announce that in coming weeks."

Christmas is also 'coming', apparently. picard

by SecretFly Mon May 13, 2013 3:06 pm

George Carlin wrote:
SRU chief executive Mark Dodson said: "We have concluded our search for a head coach and will announce that in coming weeks."
Christmas is also 'coming', apparently.

???

A few weeks later. Hastily organised Press Conference. BBC News go live! Journalists set up their mikes. Doors open. Dodson sweeps in with underlings chasing behind him with files of papers. Oh this is exciting!!!!!

Dodson: Like I said a few weeks back, I now have an announcement to make. I'll read the statement then maybe a question or two. *cough to clear troat...water sipped* I am here to announce that we have concluded our serch for a coach. - Questions?"

by shaun.mahon.9 Tue May 14, 2013 12:01 am

Won't be Todd Blackadder either, this is getting crazy!!!

http://www.espnscrum.com/scotland/rugby/story/182707.html.

by **NeilyBroon** Tue May 14, 2013 7:02 am

shaun.mahon.9 wrote:Won't be Todd Blackadder either, this is getting crazy!!!

http://www.espnscrum.com/scotland/rugby/story/182707.html.

Please say it's Vern Cotter, that'd actually be awesome!

by **George Carlin** Tue May 14, 2013 7:09 am

shaun.mahon.9 wrote:Won't be Todd Blackadder either, this is getting crazy!!!

http://www.espnscrum.com/scotland/rugby/story/182707.html

Excellent spot Shaun. For those who can't be arsed moving their index finger up and down, text is:

Blackadder rules out Scottish role
May 13, 2013

Todd Blackadder has brushed off speculation he is in line to coach Scotland and says he has plenty to prove at the helm of the Crusaders.

New Zealand pair Blackadder and Vern Cotter, the coach of successful French club Clermont Auvergne, have been reported as frontrunners for the vacant Scotland post by Scottish media.

Into his fifth season as Crusaders coach, Blackadder says he wants to lead the seven-time Super Rugby champion franchise to a first title under his watch. Beyond that, his international aspirations lie with the All Blacks.

"It (Scotland coach) is a fantastic job and a fantastic opportunity, but at the moment it's just mere speculation," he told LiveSport Radio. "At the moment my sole focus, after four years at the helm of the Crusaders, is just really focusing on trying to win a title. I'll do Super Rugby for as long as I can, to be successful of course, and then one day go on to coach the All Blacks."

Blackadder, 41, has an association with Scotland, having played for Edinburgh for four seasons before becoming assistant coach in 2005. He also was also the Scottish forwards coach that year. He says he hadn't been contacted by the Scottish Rugby Union and believes a coach with a longer track record would be suited to the role.

"What they really need is a really good experienced coach, someone who has been around the traps and give them that self-belief that they need," he said. "You've got to do your time. I'm really ambitious but I'm happy with the job that I've got and want to do well here."

Australian Scott Johnson, Scotland's rugby director, will continue in a caretaker role for the four-nation tournament in South Africa next month.

Yet ANOTHER great coach that says they weren't approached... picard

Makes Mallett the most likely candidate now, doesn't it?

Or actually, given that MacKenzie, Smith and Blackadder were quick to deny news sources saying that it's them, there's an argument that the longer the Cotter stories go uncontradicted by him or Clermont, the more likely it is that it's him. chin

by **NeilyBroon** Tue May 14, 2013 7:52 am

George Carlin wrote:
shaun.mahon.9 wrote:Won't be Todd Blackadder either, this is getting crazy!!!

http://www.espnscrum.com/scotland/rugby/story/182707.html

Excellent spot Shaun. For those who can't be arsed moving their index finger up and down, text is:

Blackadder rules out Scottish role
May 13, 2013

Todd Blackadder has brushed off speculation he is in line to coach Scotland and says he has plenty to prove at the helm of the Crusaders.

New Zealand pair Blackadder and Vern Cotter, the coach of successful French club Clermont Auvergne, have been reported as frontrunners for the vacant Scotland post by Scottish media.

Into his fifth season as Crusaders coach, Blackadder says he wants to lead the seven-time Super Rugby champion franchise to a first title under his watch. Beyond that, his international aspirations lie with the All Blacks.

"It (Scotland coach) is a fantastic job and a fantastic opportunity, but at the moment it's just mere speculation," he told LiveSport Radio. "At the moment my sole focus, after four years at the helm of the Crusaders, is just really focusing on trying to win a title. I'll do Super Rugby for as long as I can, to be successful of course, and then one day go on to coach the All Blacks."

Blackadder, 41, has an association with Scotland, having played for Edinburgh for four seasons before becoming assistant coach in 2005. He also was also the Scottish forwards coach that year. He says he hadn't been contacted by the Scottish Rugby Union and believes a coach with a longer track record would be suited to the role.

"What they really need is a really good experienced coach, someone who has been around the traps and give them that self-belief that they need," he said. "You've got to do your time. I'm really ambitious but I'm happy with the job that I've got and want to do well here."

Australian Scott Johnson, Scotland's rugby director, will continue in a caretaker role for the four-nation tournament in South Africa next month.

Yet ANOTHER great coach that says they weren't approached...

Makes Mallett the most likely candidate now, doesn't it?

Or actually, given that MacKenzie, Smith and Blackadder were quick to deny news sources saying that it's them, there's an argument that the longer the Cotter stories go uncontradicted by him or Clermont, the more likely it is that it's him.

To be fair if it's Mallett I won't complain! Could it be the SRU haven't arsed it up for a change?!

by **NeilyBroon** Tue May 14, 2013 7:55 am

(famous last words)

by Heuer27 Tue May 14, 2013 8:03 am

Think it's safe to say that they have messed up. We just don't know how badly yet.

by **NeilyBroon** Tue May 14, 2013 8:05 am

Heuer27 wrote:Think it's safe to say that they have messed up. We just don't know how badly yet.

they've probably got a contract with a good coach, but it ends just before the world cup starts

by Heuer27 Tue May 14, 2013 8:11 am

Possibly. However this is another pr disaster really. They should not have made the half announcement last week. That way there would not be the speculation. The coach is being appointed by elimination as it stands.
The SRU couldn't organise a soirée in a brewery.

by Imperialbigdave Tue May 14, 2013 8:59 am

hmmm. I dont know about that article. They havent explicitly quoted him as saying he hasnt been approached, thats just what the journo's written. All the others have it straight from the candidates mouth. If you look at Blackadders quotes on their own, its looks more like deflection than denial, although its bordering.

Agree that this has been a pr farce by the SRU, but can we honestly say were surprised anymore?

by aucklandlaurie Tue May 14, 2013 9:00 am

flyhalffactory wrote:
RubyGuby wrote:Dai Young

Actually Ruby that might not be a massive surprise as I was told that was the rumour going around the inner sanctum of the SRU a fortnight ago, especially as Dai was asked to lead the Baa Baas coaching set-up in the highly publicised Lions v Barbarians content in Hong Kong. His CV as a player is up with the best of them playing over 50 times for Wales and a three times Lions tourist, the only dampener was Youngs relatively average success story at Cardiff Blues and to-date with Wasps coupled with none at an international stage.

In my opinion Todd Blackadder will be announced our new coach before the end of play Monday, and Baldrick will be our new water-boy

Nah apparently not Toddy, well acoording to the paper:

http://www.nzherald.co.nz/rugby/news/article.cfm?c_id=80&objectid=10883511

by funnyExiledScot Tue May 14, 2013 9:24 am

Imperialbigdave wrote:hmmm. I dont know about that article. They havent explicitly quoted him as saying he hasnt been approached, thats just what the journo's written. All the others have it straight from the candidates mouth. If you look at Blackadders quotes on their own, its looks more like deflection than denial, although its bordering.

Agree that this has been a pr farce by the SRU, but can we honestly say were surprised anymore?

Agree - the quotes in the articles are not conclusive of anything. Still, I wish they'd just put an end to this nonsense - at Edinburgh as well.

by **George Carlin** Tue May 14, 2013 9:25 am

The interesting bit about that article Laurie is the last paragraph:

Former Crusaders assistant and Clermont coach Vern Cotter had been tipped to get the job, but he's believed to be committed to seeing out the final year of his contract with the French club.

I hate all of this caveating. If a journalist "believes" something, it means nothing more than the toilet cleaner at the Parc des Sports Marcel Michelin once thought out loud during a cigarette break that it was possible.

I have some sympathy with the SRU on this one.

I think that they had to announce on Scott Johnson to give him job security and let him feic off on holiday, which he has now done.

That meant that the SRU obviously had to announce in what capacity SJ was employed. From a PR perspective, probably the lesser of two evils to announce that you have someone locked in to the manager's job, therefore prompting a media speculation frenzy as to who it might be, rather than stay silent - therefore giving the impression that the search isn't really going anywhere as nobody's been appointed.

That said, the SRU's inability to pick their arse and their elbow out of a police line-up never ceases to amaze me. It could go either way. picard

by funnyExiledScot Tue May 14, 2013 9:41 am

The Scott Johnson Director of Rugby is an odd one though. Most folk seem to say that his strength is in one on one coaching and man management, but that he's a bit of an odd fish. Strikes me as a somewhat wrong-headed move therefore to take him off the training ground, stick him in a suit and plonk him behind a desk.

It's almost as if the SRU haven't carefully thought this through......

by **RDW** Tue May 14, 2013 9:47 am

funnyExiledScot wrote:
It's almost as if the SRU haven't carefully thought this through......

by **NeilyBroon** Wed May 15, 2013 6:45 am

annnndd here's the arseup
http://www.scotsman.com/sport/rugby/top-rugby-stories/clermont-s-vern-cotter-offered-scotland-rugby-job-1-2928423

by **NeilyBroon** Wed May 15, 2013 6:53 am

additionally from an interview with the Irish Times:

Okay, last one. Promise. What’s all this about you joining Joe Schmidt in the international arena as the Scotland coach? “Ah jee, I seem to be getting linked with all these jobs. I’ve got another year left with Clermont. I would like to finish well and then we’ll see whether the adventure can continue here or perhaps it will be time to move on.”

http://www.irishtimes.com/sport/rugby/vern-cotter-concerned-over-injury-list-as-heineken-cup-final-of-enforcers-looms-1.1393433

by **George Carlin** Wed May 15, 2013 7:07 am

NeilyBroon wrote:annnndd here's the arseup
http://www.scotsman.com/sport/rugby/top-rugby-stories/clermont-s-vern-cotter-offered-scotland-rugby-job-1-2928423

In full:

Clermont’s Vern Cotter offered Scotland rugby job

By DAVID FERGUSON
Published on 15/05/2013 00:00

NEW Zealander Vern Cotter is considering an offer to take over as Scotland’s head coach this summer, but the deal is still to be finalised.

SRU chief executive Mark Dodson opened the door to rumour and speculation ten days ago when he announced that the SRU had their new head coach signed up, but that his identity would be kept secret for the time being.

It now appears that Dodson had got a bit ahead of himself as it is understood that Cotter, the Clermont head coach, is waiting until after this weekend’s Heineken Cup final, and potentially the French Top 14 final in a fortnight, before returning to the discussion table and giving his final answer. He has, however, been offered lucrative terms to take on the Scotland job.

The SRU considered former All Blacks coach Wayne Smith for both the Scotland head coach and SRU director of rugby roles, but the Waikato Chiefs assistant revealed last week that he was not tempted by either. Ewen McKenzie, the Queensland Reds coach, and Crusaders chief Todd Blackadder were other southern hemisphere coaches linked, but they dismissed any interest.

Blackadder, who coached Scotland briefly under Matt Williams in 2004, said yesterday: “At the moment I am just really focusing on trying to win a title. I’ll do Super Rugby for as long as I can, to be successful of course, and then one day hopefully go on to coach the All Blacks.

“What they [Scotland] need is a really good, experienced coach, someone who has been around the traps and can give them that self-belief that they need. You’ve got to do your time. I’m really ambitious but I’m happy with the job that I’ve got and want to do well here.”

Cotter was also linked with the Ireland coaching position, that went to fellow Kiwi Joe Schmidt, but speaking to a New Zealand radio station last month he insisted that he was committed to seeing out his contract with Clermont, which still has another year to run, suggesting that Edinburgh was not a likely destination either.

However, his name was thrown into the Scotland mix at the weekend and further investigation by The Scotsman has uncovered that the current Clermont Auvergne chief has spoken with the SRU and is considering an offer to replace interim coach Scott Johnson, who was recently promoted to the role of director of rugby.

Cotter is an experienced and highly-rated coach, albeit he has yet to work at international level. The 51-year-old played as a back row in Auckland for ten years before heading to France where he played for a series of lesser-known clubs.

He returned to New Zealand to take up a coaching appointment at Bay of Plenty in 1999 and moved on to the Crusaders in 2004, where he was assistant to Robbie Deans for two years, and duly helped the team regain the Super 12 title and win the first Super 14.

He left in 2006 to take over as head coach at Clermont Auvergne and led the French side to second in the Top 14 in 2007, 2008 and 2009, claimed the European Challenge Cup in 2007 and finally dropped their domestic bridesmaid tag with the championship title in 2010. Clermont have secured two further runners-up finishes in the Top 14 and will face Castres in this year’s semi-finals in a fortnight, with a Heineken Cup final against Toulon this weekend.

New Zealand reportedly considered him for the All Blacks management after winning the World Cup and the RFU spoke to the Kiwi when searching for candidates to rival Stuart Lancaster, when the current England coach held the position last year on an interim basis. He has declined to comment on the SRU approach, but had this to say last year about the RFU opportunity: “I had a conversation about it, but that was as far as it went. It was always a complicated situation with an interim coach in place. Once Stuart was in there it would be very hard to take him out. Of course, international rugby is where we all aspire to be and it was encouraging to be under consideration. These things are about timing. I’ve got a great job here so the conversation in the end was pretty brief.”

The timing may be perfect now for the Kiwi,who is likened by some to former Scotland coach Jim Telfer. The fact he is not yet signed and sealed points to why the SRU opted to leave Johnson in charge for the South Africa tour, but there must be the possibility that Cotter could now join the squad for the first time after the French Top 14 final on 1 June.

Asked about the offer made to Cotter, an SRU spokesman said: “We do not comment on speculation.”

Completely amateurish for Dodson to blurt out that the deal's done when it clearly isn't.

I really hope to hell that Clermont pull off either the league or Heineken Cup because the implication is that if they lose both then Cotter may stay and see out the last year of his contract to scratch that itch. The Irish Times quote above essentially confirms this.

P!ss ups and breweries. I thought that this sort of howl-at-the-moon stupidity ended with McKie. That last SRU quote should read: “We do not comment on speculation - even the speculation that our CEO starts with his own press releases.”

Amazing signing if we can get him. Let's just focus on that for the moment. zen

by **RDW** Wed May 15, 2013 8:04 am

Well I had a random dream last night that we appointed a Georgian bloke that no one had ever heard of......could happen!

What exciting dreams I have!

by **NeilyBroon** Wed May 15, 2013 8:14 am

RDW_Scotland wrote:Well I had a random dream last night that we appointed a Georgian bloke that no one had ever heard of......could happen!

What exciting dreams I have!

Definitely not Scottish for sure. Its a possibility! He'd be the anti-Dixon.

by **George Carlin** Wed May 15, 2013 8:23 am

I actually had a dream that we'd appointed Silvio Berlusconi.

We'd still be pish at rugby but I'd find a way to get myself back to the after-game "bunga bunga" parties at Silvio's mansion in the New Town.

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