Rugby News: A FOURTH coach gone as RWC nears, Wales ban Tom Jones song, Tahs re-sign flyer

Vern Cotter has stepped down as Fiji national coach little more than eight months out from the Rugby World Cup in France.

Fiji Rugby chairman Humphrey Tawake told a hastily arranged news conference in Suva on Thursday that Cotter’s letter of resignation had been accepted and a new coach will be appointed “in due course.”

Tawake said Cotter had resigned for personal reasons but gave no other details.

In a statement, Cotter expressed regret for his sudden departure.

“I would like to take this opportunity to thank the players and coaches I have worked with during my time with the team,” he said.

“I feel the team has made some significant improvements over the last few years both on and off the field.

“I believe we built a great culture which was testament to some good people working hard and enjoying each other’s company and I’m disappointed to be leaving at this time.”

Cotter has coached Fiji for three years and was previously head coach of Scotland, which he led to the 2015 World Cup quarter-finals.

He recently had been assisted by New Zealanders Daryl Gibson and Glen Jackson in Fiji.

Cotter also previously led New Zealand’s Bay of Plenty and French clubs Clermont and Montpellier, and coached the Crusaders forwards in 2005 in Super Rugby.

Cotter is the latest head coach to leave his role close to the World Cup.

Eddie Jones was dismissed in December as England head coach and went on to take over as Australia coach from Dave Rennie, who was sacked.

Wayne Pivac also was recently replaced as Wales head coach.

Welsh ban Tom Jones song over domestic violence link

Choirs have been banned from singing the Tom Jones hit ‘Delilah’ during their performances on rugby international match days at the Principality Stadium in Cardiff.

The song’s lyrics include reference to a woman being murdered by her jealous partner.

The Welsh Rugby Union – the governing body which has recently been hit by sexism and discrimination allegations – took the song off its halftime entertainment and music playlist during Test matches in 2015.

And guest choirs have also been asked not to feature the song.

“Delilah will not feature on the playlist for choirs for rugby internationals at Principality Stadium,” a Principality Stadium spokesperson said on Wednesday.

“The WRU removed the song from its halftime entertainment and music playlist during international matches in 2015.

“Guest choirs have also more recently been requested not to feature the song during their pre-match performances and throughout games.

“The WRU condemns domestic violence of any kind.

“We have previously sought advice from subject matter experts on the issue of censoring the song, and we are respectfully aware that it is problematic and upsetting to some supporters because of its subject matter.”

Wales kick off their Six Nations campaign against Ireland in Cardiff on Saturday.

Allegations of a “toxic culture” at the WRU were aired in a television documentary last week, resulting in the resignation of chief executive Steve Phillips on Sunday.

An independent taskforce is to be set up to tackle the allegations, with Sport Wales – a Welsh government-funded body – advising on the make-up and remit of the panel.

The allegations have rocked the whole sport in Wales to its foundations but the decision to .

In a tweet posted on Wednesday afternoon, Wales international wing Louis Rees-Zammit said: “All the things they need to do and they do that first …”

Welsh Conservative Sports Minister Tom Giffard said: “The decision is a wrong-headed one that amounts to simple virtue signalling, designed to ease the pressure the WRU are currently under. 

“Calls to ban the song span at least the last decade, yet the WRU have chosen now to act.

“What people have been calling for is institutional change, improved working practices and a better complaints process for the WRU, but instead they are choosing to ban a much-loved Tom Jones song. This action will solve nothing.”

Tahs re-sign Pietsch

Waratahs flyer Dylan Pietsch has signed a two-year extension with the club, keeping him in sky blue until the end of the 2025 season.

Pietsch was the Tahs’ rookie of the year in 2022 and played every match of the season.

The former Olympian and Australian Sevens star’s form in Super Rugby Pacific saw him picked for the Australia A program in Fiji and Japan and he shapes as a potential World Cup rep if he can carry on this year’s form.

 Dylan Pietsch of the Waratahs celebrates with Ben Donaldson. (Photo by Hagen Hopkins/Getty Images)

“The past 12 months have been the best and most enjoyable in my career on and off the field,” Pietsch said in a statement.

“I couldn’t have asked for a better debut season in Super Rugby, we’ve got an extremely tight group here and played some good footy off the back of it. I feel we’re building genuine depth across the park and it’s exciting to think about what we can achieve in the next few years.

“I honestly believe we have the best coaching staff in the competition – they’re very detailed orientated but create an environment where everyone connects well and pushes each other to better, which is the best thing you can have.

“I feel because of this I was able to adapt and progress so much in a year, so I can’t wait to see what can happen over the next years.

“I honestly didn’t want to look anywhere else because I love it here.”

Waratahs Head Coach Darren Coleman added: “We’re excited that Dylan has re-committed to the team, he had a breakout back end of the season last year culminating in his selection in the Australia A program,” Coleman said.

“He’s working hard to become more well-rounded in his game, and when he matches that up with his speed, power, and evasion, he has all the tools to become a long-time Waratah.

“The Australia A program was great for him and even watching him now in our pre-season he’s becoming more complete as a back three player – he’s more comfortable and confident, and when he’s confident, his athletic ability takes over and he can be a real handful.”

Eddington leads World Cup

Sir Rod Eddington – who chaired Australia’s successful bids to host the men’s and women’s Rugby World Cups in 2027 and 2029 – has been announced as Independent Chair of the Board of Directors for the hosting of the tournaments.

World Rugby and Rugby Australia have been meeting in Sydney to progress the joint venture organising company that, as a collaboration between the two parties and under the chairmanship of Eddington, will be responsible for the delivery of Australia’s first Rugby World Cups since 2003.

Eddington is chair of JP Morgan’s Asia-Pacific Advisory Council and has held positions as director of Cathay Pacific, chair of Ansett Australia, deputy chair of News Limited and chief executive of British Airways.

The Australian will preside over a board of directors comprising World Rugby, Rugby Australia, and a further skills-based Managing Director.

Eddington said in a statement: “World Rugby and Rugby Australia have provided Australia with a wonderful once-in-a-generation opportunity to host not one, but two Rugby World Cups in 2027 and 2029 and I am honoured and excited to be chairing the board of directors to guide their delivery.

“Australia has built a reputation for hosting outstanding sporting and cultural events, and I know that the whole nation will rally with enthusiasm behind these Rugby World Cups. By working together as a board, as the rugby family and as the nation, I believe that we will deliver what will be remembered as two of the great sporting events, Rugby World Cups that Australia will be proud of. Game on!”