Rugby World Cup 2023

The 61-year-old New Zealander, appointed in January 2020, has left for personal reasons.

"I'm disappointed to be leaving at this time," said Cotter, who led Scotland to the World Cup quarter-finals in 2015.

"The team has made some significant improvements over the last few years both on and off the field."

Cotter is the fourth international head coach to leave his role in the past two months, following the departures of Wayne Pivac (Wales), Eddie Jones (England) and Dave Rennie (Australia).

The ‘Ikale Tahi’s place in Pool B at next year’s tournament was confirmed last Saturday when they defeated Hong Kong 44-22 in the Asia/Pacific 1 play-off at the Sunshine Stadium in Queensland, Australia.

With Ireland, the number one team in the World Rugby Men’s rankings powered by Capgemini, first up, in Nantes on 16 September, Tonga couldn’t have asked for a tougher start.

The World Rugby Council will meet on November 24 to vote on a proposal to allow players to represent a second nation.

World Rugby officials want Pacific island nations to be strengthened by being able to pick homegrown players who have made their Test debuts for other countries.

Folau has not played rugby union since he was sacked by Rugby Australia in 2019 following a controversial social media post.

The 32-year-old played for French rugby league outfit the Catalans last year but is on the cusp of a union comeback in Japanese rugby.

It makes him the first All Black to re-sign with New Zealand beyond the 2023 Rugby World Cup.

The 28 year old, is also on track to become the Blues' seventh Super Rugby centurion later this month due to play his 99th game in Sunday's game against the Crusaders at Eden Park.

"I am a Blues player through-and-through. I love the club and the people. We are developing something special on and off the field at the club and I want to be part of it for the next few years," he said in a statement.

World Rugby's Council could still opt for any of the three bids when it votes on November 15th, but is expected to rubber-stamp the recommendation and some unions, including New Zealand, have indicated that they will follow the Board's choice.

Japan will host the next tournament in 2019, the first in Asia.

Ireland's joint Republic and Northern Irish bid had been the bookmakers' favourites having never been the main host before while France were the outsiders having staged the tournament in 2007.