RUGBY UNION
Cotter to coach Scotland
New Zealander Vern Cotter has been hired to coach Scotland to the 2015 Rugby World Cup, from next year. The Scottish Rugby Union said on Monday that Cotter would take over for two years from June next year, when his contract with French club Clermont Auvergne ends. Scott Johnson, the interim coach since November last year, was appointed director of rugby, but will stay in charge of Scotland for a second straight Six Nations next year, then hand over to Cotter to give him a year’s buildup to the World Cup in England. Cotter, at Clermont since 2006, led the club to the recent Heineken Cup final and said after a Top 14 semi-final loss last weekend that next season would be his last at the club. The Scottish Rugby Union concluded the contract with Cotter months ago, chief executive Mark Dodson said, but waited until the end of Clermont’s season to make the announcement. “To have secured someone of his caliber is a coup for Scotland,” Dodson said. “It’s a measure of our standing that we have him on board.”
SOCCER
Werder Bremen hire Dutt
Robin Dutt was named the new coach of Werder Bremen on Monday after the German soccer association agreed to release him from the post as their sporting director. The 48-year-old is to replace Thomas Schaaf, who was the country’s longest-serving top flight coach when he was sacked by the four-times German champions earlier this month after 14 years. “I’m very happy to take my place on the bench again,” former Germany defender Dutt told the club’s official Web site. “Werder Bremen is a great club and it’s a very interesting task.” Dutt made a name for himself after guiding SC Freiburg into the Bundesliga in 2009 and keeping them there until his departure in 2011 for a season at Bayer 04 Leverkusen.
SOCCER
Neymar signs with Barca
Brazilian soccer star Neymar on Monday signed a five-year contract with Spanish powerhouse Barcelona and is to travel to Spain next week for the official presentation. The 21-year-old star, whose full name is Neymar da Silva Santos Junior, announced his choice on his Instagram account on Saturday after receiving offers from both the Catalan club and their rivals Real Madrid. “I want to thank the Santos fans for nine incredible years,” wrote Neymar, currently a forward for the storied Brazilian team Santos. Neymar’s agent Wagner Ribeiro said his client would be one of Barca’s highest paid players, but did not disclose the financial terms of the deal.
MOTORCYCLING
Rider killed during practice
Organizers of the Isle of Man TT Races say Japanese rider Yoshinari Matsushita was killed during practice on Monday on the road course. The British-based Auto Cycle Union (ACU) issued a statement on the race Web site to confirm the 43-year-old Matsushita was killed in an accident at Ballacrye in the north of the island. The practice session was immediately stopped. The ACU said Matsushita was an experienced rider from Saitama, Japan, who won the 2008 Motegi Endurance race and first competed at the TT Races in 2009. “Yoshi was a really popular competitor who had a large number of friends in the TT Races paddock,” ACU course spokesman Gary Thompson said. “He was a genuine and friendly character who always had time for everyone. He will be sorely missed.”
US track and field athletes have about four dozen pieces to choose from when assembling their uniforms at the Olympics. The one grabbing the most attention is a high-cut leotard that barely covers the bikini line and has triggered debate between those who think it is sexist and others who say they do not need the Internet to make sure they have good uniforms. Among those critical or laughing at the uniforms included Paralympian Femita Ayanbeku, sprinter Britton Wilson and even athletes from other countries such as Britain’s Abigail Irozuru, who wrote on social media: “Was ANY female athlete consulted in
Four-time NBA all-star DeMarcus Cousins arrived in Taiwan with his family early yesterday to finish his renewed contract with the Taiwan Beer Leopards in the T1 League. Cousins initially played a four-game contract with the Leopards in January. On March 18, the Taoyuan-based team announced that Cousins had renewed his contract. “Hi what’s up Leopard fans, I’m back. I’m excited to be back and can’t wait to join the team,” Cousins said in a video posted on the Leopard’s Facebook page. “Most of all, can’t wait to see you guys, the fans, next weekend. So make sure you come out and support the Beer
Former US Masters champion Zach Johnson was left embarrassed after a foul-mouthed response to ironic cheers from spectators after a triple bogey at Augusta National on Friday. Johnson, the 2007 Masters winner, missed the cut after his three-over-par round of 75 left him on seven-over 151 for 36 holes, his six on the par-three 12th playing a big role in his downfall. Television footage showed Johnson reacting to sarcastic cheers and applause when he tapped in for the triple bogey by yelling: “Oh fuck off.” Such a response would be considered bad form in any golf tournament, but is particularly out of keeping
The sacred flame for the Paris Olympics was lit yesterday in Olympia, Greece, the birthplace of the ancient Games, in a ceremony inspired by antiquity and marked by messages of hope amid multiple global crises. “In ancient times, the Olympic Games brought together the Greek city states, even — and in particular — during times of war and conflict,” International Olympic Committee president Thomas Bach said. “Today, the Olympic Games are the only event that brings the entire world together in peaceful competition. Then as now, the Olympic athletes are sending this powerful message — yes, it is possible to compete fiercely