Rugby: Vern Cotter returning to France

Vern Cotter. Photo / AP

Departing Scottish coach Vern Cotter is heading back to French club rugby with Montpellier.

The 54-year-old Kiwi will take over at the European Challenge Cup holders for the 2017/18 season. He replaces South African World Cup winning coach Jake White, whose Montpellier contract ends in June. Former international Gregor Townsend will take over as the new Scotland boss in June.

Cotter, who coached Bay of Plenty and was a Crusaders forward coach, started off in French rugby with Clermont Auvergne in 2006. He guided them to the French Top 14 title in 2010.