Clermont's Kiwi coach Vern Cotter signed an extension to his contract on Monday, the new deal tying him to the French Top 14 side until 2014.

Cotter, who joined Clermont in 2006, has taken them to four Top 14 finals, and guided them to their first-ever title in 2010 when they defeated Perpignan.

The 49-year-old elected to stay in France rather than take up an offer to return home to join the World Cup winning All Blacks' coaching staff.

"I'm happy to continue my adventure that I began six seasons ago at Clermont," Cotter told the club's official website.

"The directors have reassured me of the club's ambitions over the coming seasons and there are still great things to achieve. I like this region."

He added: "In signing a new two year deal I hope to be able to continue to bring to Clermont the same values and ambitions which have always been my own."

Clermont, in their centenary year, have made the European Cup a key objective this season, and they were keen to hold on to their manager.

Clermont president Rene Fontes said he was "personally delighted that this adventure is continuing".

He added: "His (Cotter's) decision is more than satisfying, it's a relief as there are still things to do together."

AFP