Chiefs Super Rugby coach Colin Cooper has stepped down with a year left on his contract after the two-time champions exited in this season’s quarter-finals.
Chiefs coach Colin Cooper has unexpectedly stepped down from the role with the Super Rugby franchise despite having a year to run on his contract.
The 60-year-old was in charge at the Hamilton-based side for the past two seasons and guided them to the Super Rugby quarter-finals on both occasions.
The start of a new World Cup cycle from next season was a factor in Cooper’s decision, New Zealand Rugby chief executive Steve Tew said.
“Next year is a post-World Cup year when there is a lot of player movement within Super Rugby and clubs are beginning the next four-year cycle,” said Tew, whose organisation has a say in employing the Super Rugby coaches.
“Taking that into consideration, both Colin and the club have spoken at length over several weeks and agree that the time is right for a new coach to take the Chiefs into 2020 and beyond.”
Cooper, who was in charge of the Hurricanes for eight seasons before coaching provincial side Taranaki from 2010-2017, succeeded Dave Rennie at the Chiefs.
“The role of the head coach has evolved so much over the past five or six years,” Cooper said.
“My passion is hands-on on-the-field coaching, but with bigger playing numbers and more staff involved these days, I am getting taken further and further away from my passion.”
Former Waikato stalwart Warren Gatland, who is leaving the Wales job after this year’s Rugby World Cup in Japan, had previously said he was interested in returning to a Super Rugby coaching role in New Zealand.
Gatland, however, was re-appointed earlier this month as British and Irish Lions coach for their 2021 tour of South Africa.
Ralph
Roar Guru
Taking votes and kicking goals! Thanks.
Danny
Roar Pro
Haha Ralph you looking for a reverse indicator mate! Ok here goes Ennor and Boffelli.
Ralph
Roar Guru
WG is a world class coach for sure Danny. BUT - which player will draw first blood (score first) in each semi? Can I get your vote please.
Danny
Roar Pro
I haven’t got that much right in the predictions department this year, but CC getting the bullet was one. WG a great replacement.
Kiwikrs
Roar Rookie
https://i.stuff.co.nz/sport/rugby/super-rugby/113842633/super-rugby-warren-gatland-will-replace-colin-cooper-as-chiefs-coach--report
Kiwikrs
Roar Rookie
How have you managed to write a post that long and not get a single point correct (or even relevant)
JD Kiwi
Roar Rookie
Breaking news, Gats is coming back! Roll on next season!
Kiwikrs
Roar Rookie
2020 Wallabies coaching set up Head Coach - Colin Cooper Attack Coach - Tony Brown Defence Coach - Darryl Gibson S&C Coach - Matt Giteau Forwards Coach - David Pocock You heard it here first!
charly_777
Guest
I hope that the decision of the Chiefs leadership has been for the balance of the entire championship, and not because it lost quarter with the Jaguars! Force Chiefs!
ClassAct
Guest
This comment has been removed for breaching The Roar's comments policy.
Lee Byron
Roar Rookie
Come and coach the Rebels or waratah forward!
jeznez
Roar Guru
Gibson is available as a replacement!
BillPosters
Roar Rookie
I tend to agree with you Ralph. I think you’ve hit the hail on the head there.
The Neutral View From Sweden
Roar Guru
I always thought Cooper has unfulfilled business in the movie industry. He could play both cops and bad guys, his face and stare are insanely intense and I am sure the camera would love him. He has done a stellar job with the Chiefs, guiding to the playoffs two years in the row while having an injury list that looks like a sad joke.
BillPosters
Roar Rookie
Surely not. I guess the Tahs and Wallabies are in the market for a new coach though.
Ralph
Roar Guru
I don’t think so BP. I think this is more probably a team man (Cooper) fronting up to say this is not working for him personally and that the best thing for the team is to break now so the new coach gets a clean run in the team rebuild process that naturally follows a World Cup year.
Ralph
Roar Guru
I agree BF, not wholly unexpected. Something wrong with the marriage but not close enough to know what. Wish him all the best though.
JD Kiwi
Roar Rookie
Gatland developed a game plan that suited the players he had at Wales. He played a very different game plan at Wasps for instance, and will change again in Hamilton. He will have kiwi assistants, and I'm sure he will be able to add the best of Wales in the tight and in defence to the flair that the Chiefs already possess. The bloke wins stuff and I really hope that he comes home. #BringBackGats
Bluesfan
At the start of the season and with the Chiefs poor results, seemed to be a bit of a press campaign against Cooper - sorta of setting it up for Gatland to walk into the position . Think he still has a house in Hamilton and bach at Waihi beach - so this would be his dream job I guess being a proud Waikato man etc. Really though - maybe the Waratahs should target him - easy commute across the Tasman and actually know someone who does it each week - leaves NZ on a Sunday and come back on a Friday morning.
allblackfan
Guest
Because that's worked well for the Aussies so far! :-)