Vern Cotter re-signs with the Blues until 2026 after winning the Super Rugby Pacific Championship.

“I like two years,” Cotter said Herald after re-signing. “Three years is neither here nor there. Are you planning for the future or trying to get better and win a competition? I like being stuck.

“I signed a two-year contract with Clermont and ended up staying there for eight years. I like the two-player approach, and if everyone is happy and you like it, you can renew the contract. That’s what happened this year.

“I like the players, the environment and winning, so it was a pretty easy decision.”

Although Cotter is a Te Puke farmer who coached Bay of Plenty and was active in France, he immediately found a home with the Blues and dispelled a few urban myths along the way.

“Back in 2011, I was contacted to potentially take on the job. I always thought it would be an interesting challenge, given the Blues’ beliefs of being bright and soft or genuinely misunderstood.

“When the opportunity came to coach the Blues, I really enjoyed it. I was born in Auckland, so it seemed right. And when I did my due diligence, I felt the perception was wrong.

“We gave the players a chance to show their strengths. I loved seeing the players having fun; It’s been a pleasure to see people from across the Blues region interacting with the team and I hope it continues to grow.

“If you haven’t won something, you’re always grasping at straws and doubting yourself. Now we know what good looks like. “I’m looking forward to implementing this for a couple more years and being consistent in what we do, how we carry ourselves and in our DNA.”

Achieving back-to-back titles is a feat few teams in any sport can achieve. Climbing a mountain once is quite difficult. Doing it again when the target has already been captured and the plan is available for everyone to analyze is inherently more difficult.

“We know that backing up games is really difficult. That’s the first thing you need to admit.”

However, work is already underway to build subsequent crowns. Penrith Panthers coach Ivan Cleary’s recent visit yielded plenty of gold after his side won four straight NRL premiership titles.

“When I was at Claremont we had the Melbourne Storm and the Sydney Roosters visiting. There is always an exchange of information around sports,” Cotter said.

“Ivan Cleary was in the dressing room after our final. He is good friends with John Hart.

“It was nice to meet him again. I enjoyed his company and I liked the way he saw the game. There were many similarities between the two sports. The time he spent with us and the coaching group was great for exchanging ideas.”

Those underwhelmed by Cotter’s direct, combative and to-the-point approach, which has proven incredibly difficult to break, will be disappointed to learn that the Blues have no plans to change that script in their quest for repeat success.

“If it works, why would you change? Of course, we can develop something. The more time you spend together and practice certain aspects, the better off we will be.

“We will do everything we can to win. I don’t think we need to adapt much.”

Cotter’s Blues lineup was largely settled. Akira Ioane is moving to Japan, while experienced midfielder Bryce Him is out for the season with injury. Otherwise, however, with the addition of new generation talents Che Clarke and Xavier Taele to their ranks, the Blues appear well positioned for another title.

Beauden Barrett is the main new signing after returning from Japan to highlight the Blues’ array of playmakers, which also includes Clermont-bound Harry Plummer, Stephen Perofeta and Zarn Sullivan.

“Boden brings us a different set of decision-making and playmaking skills which I am sure will benefit the team.

“The season is dynamic and demanding, and there will be opportunities during the game. Harry did an outstanding job last year. Boden returns, he realizes that he will have to make his way back – they won’t let him.

“Stephen has also stepped in at 10. Zarn will play in several positions – he could end up in midfield.”

Although Cotter remains at the helm, he plans to develop a coaching succession plan, which is likely to focus on either assistant Paul Tito or Craig McGrath.

“I like the holistic approach to the game. I love winning competitions, but you also have the big picture: the growth of the club from top to bottom and the emergence of young talent. This applies not only to players, but also to coaches.

“If I can continue to contribute, I will drive the car hard from all angles. This is the best result, aimed at winning another competition, but there may be a time when someone else needs a chance too.”

Under the iron grip of the Stern Verna clan, the Blues are in good hands.

Liam Napier has been a sports journalist since 2010.His work has taken him to the Rugby, Netball and Cricket World Cups, world title fights in boxing and the Commonwealth Games.