
Football
Share
Published 16:07 27 Oct 2018 BST
Explore more on these topics:
"The All Blacks is an intimidating job. To be perfectly honest I don't even think about it. All I'm trying to do is my best in Montpellier. I don't think it's a good idea to start speculating on what ifs outside."
Cotter is 56 now and will be 58 by the end of the next World Cup. "I would think we won't be far from coming home when this winds up [at Montpellier]," he adds. "But, in coaching, you just don't know what's going to happen." Schmidt and Cotter started coaching together at Bay of Plenty in 2003 and were Ranfurly Shield winners within a year after their side shocked Auckland. There was a break of three seasons as Cotter went to Crusaders, under Robbie Deans, but he reunited with Schmidt when they headed off to Clermont, in France's Top 14, in 2006. They led Clermont to the Top 14 title after losing grand finals in the previous two seasons. Cotter stayed on with the club while Schmidt branched out, leading Leinster and then Ireland to untold glory. The pair clashed twice - splitting it a win apiece - in the Six Nations when Cotter had the Scotland job. "I was so glad we won the last game against Ireland because hopefully, I don't have to coach against him again. It's such bloody hard work because he is such a good coach," said Cotter on facing Schmidt."He's a good friend, and a great human being. We spend a lot of time together and stay in touch. I think he plans to go back to New Zealand at some stage and I think it'll be great for New Zealand rugby if he gets involved."
Most Irish fans would not begrudge Schmidt the move back to his homeland after the World Cup but - as has been noted before - giving him the British & Irish Lions job for the 2021 tour to South Africa may convince him to stay on with the men in green for the foreseeable future.One country has entered two teams into this year’s World Cup – Here’s how
They’ve doubled their chances at glory… Three-and-a-half years after Lionel Messi lifted the World Cup trophy at Doha’s Lusail Stadium, the next edition of sport’s biggest tournament is now just days away. Even before it has begun, the 2026 World Cup is certain to make history, set to be the biggest ever, with 48 teams […]
Football
57 min
Arne Slot made ‘insulting’ remark to Liverpool signings before leaving club
The sacked gaffer has since been replaced by Andoni Iraola. Former Liverpool gaffer Arne Slot reportedly made a remark considered ‘insulting’ way before leaving the club, as per new reports from BILD in Germany. Despite winning the Premier League in 2025, Slot was sacked at the end of May following a trophyless season and finishing […]
Football
2h
Football
Liverpool agree deal for Andoni Iraola
Football