Scottish Rugby Union shows faith in Vern Cotter ahead of RWC as coach gets contract until 2017

Vern Cotter has extended his Scotland contract until 2017 in a major show of faith from the Scottish Rugby Union ahead of the World Cup.

The head coach presided over a disappointing first RBS 6 Nations campaign as Scotland lost every game.

However, the SRU has announced it has extended his initial deal by a further year, three days before Scotland start their World Cup warm-up campaign against Ireland in Dublin.

Cotter said: “I’m really happy to be able to continue working with the players, the organisation, the board, and everyone involved.

“There are some talented players with some things to develop, and together we are focused on facing that challenge in what I think are exciting times for Scottish rugby all over.”

Cotter became Scotland coach in May last year and began with an overseas tour of the United States, Canada, Argentina, and South Africa in which they won three of four.

Further wins against Argentina and Tonga followed in the Autumn Tests but things turned sour in a hurry as Scotland lost five out of five in the Six Nations.

However, he is now firmly focused on the World Cup to come, with Scotland drawn against South Africa, Samoa, Japan and the United States in Pool B.

“The culture of rugby is strong in this country and it’s important that passion is reflected in the performances of the national team,” Cotter said.

Meanwhile, South Africa coach Heyneke Meyer says he has the full backing of his players and is committed to a transformation in Springbok rugby after coming under fire from the country’s largest trade union.

Media reports suggested five black players had approached the Congress of South African Trade Unions (Cosatu) with grievances over their non-selection for recent matches, which led the organisation to call for Meyer to be sacked over what they termed “racist choices”.

But the 47-year-old says his players have rallied around him.

“A lot of them came to me and said, ‘coach, it’s not true what’s in the papers. We stand by you, we know exactly where we stand’,” Meyer said.

“You’re always going to get players that are unhappy if they don’t play. I don’t look at colour, I look at the best players. I’m totally committed to transformation and I have a great relationship with my players.”

Two black players, Zimbabwe-born Tendai Mtawarira and Bryan Habana, were in the starting line-up for the shock 37-25 loss to Argentina in Durban on Saturday. That number will jump to four for the test against the same opposition in Buenos Aires this weekend.

Fullback Zane Kirchner and winger Lwazi Mvovo are injury replacements, Habana retains his place and Trevor Nyakane replaces Mtawarira at prop, with the latter dropping to the bench.

After four test defeats in a row, Meyer’s position has come under scrutiny, something he acknowledged while reading a statement at the announcement of the team to face Argentina.

“They say that sport or rugby builds character. It doesn’t build character, it reveals character. When I took the job I said it’s not about me, this job is bigger than the individual.

“The most important thing for me is to keep my integrity. I know there is a lot of criticism. I don’t have any excuses and I know where the public comes from.

“There is a lot of negativity and I understand that, but like I said from the start, I’m going to keep my integrity and that’s more important to me than just winning.”

Saturday’s match in Argentina is the final warm-up for South Africa ahead of the World Cup, where they have been drawn in Pool B alongside Japan, Samoa, Scotland and the United States.