Vern Cotter Biography: Age, Teams, Coaching Career, Net Worth, Height, Parents, Championships

Vern Cotter is a New Zealand-born rugby union coach and former player, best known for his successful coaching stints with top international teams.

Born on August 27, 1962, he began his career as a player before transitioning into coaching, where he gained global recognition.

Cotter notably led the French club Clermont Auvergne to domestic success and served as head coach of the Scotland national team from 2014 to 2017.

Profile

• Full Name: Vernon Anthony Cotter
• Stage Name: Vern Cotter
• Born: August 27, 1962
• Age: 62 years old
• Birthplace: New Zealand
• Nationality: New Zealander
• Occupation: Rugby Union Coach and Former Player
• Height: 1.88 m (6 ft 2 in)
• Parent: Mr and Mrs Cotter
• Siblings: Jeremy Cotter (brother)
• Spouse: None
• Children: None
• Relationship: Single
• Net Worth: $1 million – $2 million

Early Life and Education

Vern Cotter was born on August 27, 1962, in New Zealand, he is 62 years old. He was raised in a rugby-loving family by his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Cotter.

Vern grew up alongside his brother, Jeremy Cotter, who also has a background in rugby coaching. The Cotter family maintained a strong sense of discipline and work ethic, values that shaped Vern’s approach to life and sport.

He is of European (Pākehā) descent and practices Christianity, which is common among many New Zealanders. Vern Cotter completed his education in New Zealand, where he balanced his academic life with a growing passion for rugby.

His early exposure to the sport and his commitment to learning laid the foundation for his future success as both a player and a coach.

Career

Vern Cotter began his rugby journey as a player in New Zealand, primarily playing as a loose forward. He played for Counties Manukau and later moved to France, where he joined the rugby club FC Grenoble.

Although his playing career was not widely celebrated on the international stage, it laid the groundwork for his future in coaching.

After retiring from playing, Cotter transitioned into coaching and quickly built a strong reputation. He started as an assistant coach at the Crusaders in New Zealand, working alongside some of the best talents in Super Rugby.

His success there led him to France, where he became the head coach of ASM Clermont Auvergne. Under his leadership, Clermont reached three Top 14 finals and won the championship in 2010, ending the club’s long wait for a domestic title.

In 2014, Cotter was appointed head coach of the Scotland national rugby team. During his time with Scotland, he brought a new level of discipline and structure to the squad, improving their performance in the Six Nations Championship and other international fixtures.

He remained in the role until 2017 and was praised for helping to rebuild the team’s confidence and competitiveness on the world stage.

Following his time with Scotland, Cotter went on to coach Montpellier in the French Top 14 and later took over as head coach of the Fiji national team. Throughout his career, Cotter has been admired for his calm demeanor, tactical intelligence, and ability to build strong team cultures across different countries and levels of play.

Awards and Nominations

• Led Clermont Auvergne to win the French Top 14 Championship in 2017
• Recognized for significantly improving the Scotland national team during his tenure
• Various accolades as a top rugby coach in European rugby circuits

Personal Life

New Zealand-born rugby union coach and former player, Vern Cotter, is currently not married. He has kept his personal life very private, and there is no public information about any past or present romantic relationships.

Cotter is known to be focused on his career and maintains a low profile outside the rugby world.

Regarding his height, Vern Cotter stands at an impressive height of approximately 1.88 meters (6 feet 2 inches), reflecting the strong physical presence he once brought to the field as a player.

Net Worth

Vern Cotter’s estimated net worth ranges between $1 million and $2 million. This wealth primarily stems from his extensive career as a rugby union coach, both at the club and international levels.

Cotter’s coaching journey includes notable tenures with teams such as ASM Clermont Auvergne, the Scotland national team, Montpellier, Fiji, and currently, the Blues in Super Rugby. His most lucrative contract was with Montpellier, where he reportedly signed a three-year deal worth over €3 million, making him one of the highest-paid rugby coaches globally at the time.

Beyond coaching salaries, Cotter’s income has been supplemented by consultancy roles, including his involvement with Romania’s national team during the Rugby World Cup. His consistent presence in top-tier rugby and the demand for his expertise have solidified his financial standing in the sport.