Gregor Townsend to replace Vern Cotter in June 2017

[iINDOMINUSxx]

http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-union/37107327

As much as i am happy with this, i do however do feel sorry for Vern Cotter I felt he has really helped our game even though first six nations which we can very happily forget. I thought we looked more like a threat with him. But i will be interesting what Gregor will pull off as coach, Obviously the work he's done for Glasgow has been very good, if he can do it for Scotland... we'll have to wait and see.

Plus i'm wondering if this is the SRU's punishment to Vern for his rabbit killing training he set up for his players

what is your thoughts ?

 

[LeinsterMan (NotTigsMan)]

If SRU force Verns hand due to the rabbit issue then they are truely gutless.

Odd time to leave though June 2017, wonder if he is eyeing a super rugby job with the view of getting his name down for the all black gig if Henson decides to call it quiets.

2/3 years super rugby puts you in a better position for it.

He will be off from SRU after the six nations the so the timing whilst a little off could be right.

 

[Bruce_ma gooshvili]

I'm a little biased as I think eligibility criteria for players should also apply to coaches (at least at tier 1) so am very happy we'll be getting a youthful Scottish coach with a proven track record at a good level. I don't see much point in international sport if the key people involved have little or no tie to the nation they are employed by. The change comes at a good time in terms of being well away from the World Cup.

Setting my bias aside I'm surprised both sides haven't looked to continue through to the RWC 2019. The fact is Vern took us from no hopers to a team that fully deserved a WC semi final spot and would have had it barring a bizarre refereeing intervention (not that I'm bitter!).

Townsend deserves some credit for recent Scottish success though in terms of the level he got the Glasgow boys playing at week in, week out. It does leave me a little concerned about the short and medium term performance of Glasgow. Having just two clubs at that level means it is essential they have adequate coaching or the national side will hugely suffer (see possible parrallel with Argentina/Jaguares).

I'm sure Vern will land a decent job elsewhere albeit I think we are seeing his previous club success wasn't exactly hurt by having Schmidt as his assistant. I wonder if Vern has landed a plum job in Super Rugby for 2017? (e.g. Highlanders who will be looking for a new coach then).

I also think this announcement is far too soon for it to relate to bunny-gate. If it was somehow a spillover of that I think it would have taken a month or two to get things progressed to the stage that they could make an announcement.

 

[LeinsterMan (NotTigsMan)]

Don't understand the argument for Coaches to be tied by elibelty criteria.

Coaching is completely different to playing.

 

[Peat]

Very odd. Townsend is a potentially fine replacement but I see no reason for Cotter to go.

 

[ratsapprentice]

I think Scotland is better off with both of them in place, losing Vern doesn't increase their strength IMO.

 

[ratsapprentice]

I redact my last statement.

They've landed Rennie.

What a ****ing coup.

 

[nickdnz]

Damn it...maybe Cotter heads to the Chiefs.

 

[LeinsterMan (NotTigsMan)]

Damn it...maybe Cotter heads to the Chiefs.

Would make sense

 

[Bruce_ma gooshvili]

I redact my last statement.

They've landed Rennie.

What a ****ing coup.

That is a crazy appointment. I'm new to Super Rugby but the Chiefs looked the best coached NZ side to me given the ridiculous youth if their team. This is fantastic for Glasgow and hopefully he'll get a Scottish assistant to take under his wing.

I don't want to overreact but this seems worrying for NZ and SR in general to me. A top coach going to one of the smallest clubs in the Pro12 (despite their success) which in turn is only the third wealthiest league in Europe. Obviously the SRU will have put funds towards this but it's still an incredible appointment. I can't imagine how it helps progress Rennie's career though or give him options for the future. Baffling.

Are NZ coaching appointments always so chaotic? Hammet must be kicking himself taking an assistants job and then the Chiefs gig comes up.

 

[Tony Manx]

So Vern gets the heave ho or did he resign? Gregor is remarkably available to take over and Glasgow, incredibly, are able to pick up Rennie within 24 hours?!!

Something is telling me that this is a remarkable amount of business or bit of an orchestrated musical chairs but for who's benefit??

 

[iINDOMINUSxx]

So Vern gets the heave ho or did he resign? Gregor is remarkably available to take over and Glasgow, incredibly, are able to pick up Rennie within 24 hours?!!

Something is telling me that this is a remarkable amount of business or bit of an orchestrated musical chairs but for who's benefit??

By what Mark Dawson said, basically the SRU wanted him replace to they can keep the service of Gregor Townsend in Scotland.

 

[Bruce_ma gooshvili]

I find that believable to be honest. Good on Townsend for obviously being quite direct behind the scenes. The man will have had options. The other thing about the Rennie appointment is that it strongly indicates that these musical chairs have absolutely nothing to do with rabbits. It's obviously been in the pipeline for a wee while.

 

[nickdnz]

That is a crazy appointment. I'm new to Super Rugby but the Chiefs looked the best coached NZ side to me given the ridiculous youth if their team. This is fantastic for Glasgow and hopefully he'll get a Scottish assistant to take under his wing.

I don't want to overreact but this seems worrying for NZ and SR in general to me. A top coach going to one of the smallest clubs in the Pro12 (despite their success) which in turn is only the third wealthiest league in Europe. Obviously the SRU will have put funds towards this but it's still an incredible appointment. I can't imagine how it helps progress Rennie's career though or give him options for the future. Baffling.

Are NZ coaching appointments always so chaotic? Hammet must be kicking himself taking an assistants job and then the Chiefs gig comes up.

Well Dave Rennie has indicated wanting an overseas stint for quite some time particularly as he was overlooked for the ABs gig until the next RWC at the earliest. So it's not entirely shocking. However I think it is a bit worrying considering I feel the NZ coaching depth is being destroyed by former players being promoted waay too quickly as part of the NZRU's old boys club.

Here is hoping we can get Cotter and Schmidt back.

 

[Saint4805]

I think Edinburgh could do with Rennie more than Glasgow but this is a very exciting appointment. If Rennie does well then he'd be the obvious pick to take charge of the national team should GT move on in a few years.

 

[CABCL]

Finally, it was because Vern had already chosen to take MHR next year... few days ago, rumours on Canal + TV here were speaking about Montpellier possibility, but as White was doing a good job, the comentators were saying that it would be suprising that White would be fired and Vern would come... they were right in a certain way ! lol very surprising choice by Altrad (MHR President)...

 

[Peat]

I think Edinburgh could do with Rennie more than Glasgow but this is a very exciting appointment. If Rennie does well then he'd be the obvious pick to take charge of the national team should GT move on in a few years.

That's what Rennie gets out of it. Its a highway to the Scottish job. Impressing in the Pro 12 could make a launchpad for Wales or Ireland too.

Finally, it was because Vern had already chosen to take MHR next year... few days ago, rumours on Canal + TV here were speaking about Montpellier possibility, but as White was doing a good job, the comentators were saying that it would be suprising that White would be fired and Vern would come... they were right in a certain way ! lol very surprising choice by Altrad (MHR President)...

Well that explains a bit if true.