Vern Cotter has been appointed new head coach of the Blues, signing a two-year deal to take the reins until the end of the 2025 Super Rugby Pacific season.
He'll be joined by assistant coach Jason O'Halloran, who has also inked a two-year deal.
Cotter replaces Leon MacDonald, who will join next All Blacks coach Scott Robertson as an assistant, and completes the Super Rugby Pacific head-coaching reboot that has seen Clark Laidlaw come in for Jason Holland at the Hurricanes and Rob Penney take over from Robertson.
Cotter, 61, boasts a wealth of experience at both test and domestic level. Most recently, he was head coach of Fiji (2020-22) and Scotland (2014-17), where he worked alongside O'Halloran.
The former Counties No.8 has also overseen Bay of Plenty at NPC level and spent two seasons as forwards coach with Super Rugby's Crusaders.
He led French side Clermont Auvergne to three Top 14 finals, before winning the coveted title in 2010 - the first title in the club's history. In 2006, the team also won a European Challenge Cup under Cotter's guidance in 2006.
Cotter says he's itching to get started with his new team.
"I would like to extend my thanks to the entire Blues organisation for putting their trust in me," said Cotter. "I've watched this club thrive in recent years, and I'm excited by the challenge of taking them forward and building on what is a very strong base.
"When you take a new role, it’s important to acknowledge what's been going well for a team, while constructively challenging aspects you feel could improve.
"I think I can add fresh thinking, informed by my broad and varied coaching experiences to date.
"It’s great to have Jason joining me at the Blues. Since our time in Scotland, we’ve remained firm friends and often pick up the phone to discuss current trends in the game.
"I know he’ll add real value to an already strong coaching team."
Blues chairman Don Mackinnon says Cotter's experience, partnership with O'Halloran and history of winning are key factors in bringing him to the Blues.
"We've been in communication with Vern for a while now and what shone through in our conversations was his desire to drive the club forward, while building on the strong culture we've developed at the Blues over the last few years," said MacKinnon.
"He's an experienced and driven coach, has a history of success and I believe is the right fit for the role.
"Vern and Jason have proven they work well together, and we believe the pair will provide some fresh thinking and energy to take the club forward."
