Catch up with Fiji Airways Flying Fijians Coach Vern Cotter

How’s everything been for you in the past few weeks?

Very well thank you. We had to leave France quickly to pick up our two eldest children from boarding school in New Zealand before it closed, we only just made it! It has been a big lifestyle change after spending 14 years in Europe to come back to our sheep and beef farm in the Bay of Plenty but we are enjoying life back in NZ.

What are some new things you’ve been trying out during this lockdown?

I have definitely been trying to get my kids to work around the farm!

I’ve been pretty busy really, nothing new just looking at old rugby games.

What do you usually do to keep you entertain while quarantine?

My family keep me entertained, we are a close family having lived abroad for so long in different cultures, it’s nice having everyone together.

Favourite read? Any book you’re enjoying right now?

Not at the moment but I like cars so I like to see what’s going on through Top Gear magazine. Lucky for me my wife likes reading cook books so if I’m not reading I’m eating.

Movies or series you’re binge watching?

I don’t watch too much TV to be honest

How does it feel to be away from the field?

Yes these are funny times. I miss the comradery, game preparation and the competition, but it gives me time to focus on the Flying Fijians, get a plan in place and focus on getting better myself.

First thing you’ll do when all this is over?

Feel really relieved, try and get back to normal things & be happy that people can feel safe again.