Vern Cotter wants tougher Reds in Super Rugby bid
Vern Cotter wants a tougher, more physical Queensland Reds side as the new coach targets a Super Rugby Pacific title challenge in 2027.
©PA
New Queensland Reds head coach Vern Cotter says greater physicality and consistency will be central to turning the side into genuine Super Rugby Pacific title contenders after taking over from new Wallabies coach Les Kiss.
Vern Cotter targets tougher Queensland Reds
Cotter arrives at Ballymore after leading the Blues to the 2024 Super Rugby Pacific title and has made clear that Queensland must develop a harder edge if they are to challenge consistently at the top of the competition.
The Reds reached the finals in each of Kiss’ three seasons in charge but finished fifth on the ladder each year and were eliminated in the opening week on New Zealand soil.
Queensland also suffered first-week finals exits under Brad Thorn in 2022 and 2023.
Cotter said the talent already existed within the squad but believes the Reds must become more physically robust to produce performances throughout an entire campaign.
“We just need to develop an edge in our game so that we remain consistent,” said Cotter.
“The talent is here to become competitive with other teams in the competition, but you need to do that all season, and you need to be able to rock and roll through the tough games, get points and get yourself in a situation.
“The key shifts will be around becoming more physical and becoming better prepared physically, so there’s a big emphasis on that – making sure we’re robust enough to be able to be put in performances week in, week out".
Queensland Reds chase Super Rugby Pacific title
Having previously coached against Queensland while leading the Blues, Cotter said there were clear areas where the Reds could improve.
“The only reason I’ve come here is to win the competition,” added.
His coaching record includes the Blues’ 2024 Super Rugby Pacific triumph and Clermont Auvergne’s 2009-10 French Top 14 title.
Super Rugby AUS offers early Cotter test
Cotter will receive an early opportunity to work with the Reds during the upcoming Super Rugby AUS competition.
Queensland begin their campaign against the Western Force at Ballymore on September 12.
