Clark Laidlaw Head Coach Of Hurricanes, Just Signed a Player Worth
The head coach of the Hurricanes Super Rugby Pacific team is now Clark Laidlaw. The 45-year-old, the cousin of current Scotland captain Greig Laidlaw and the son of former Scotland and Lions scrum-half Roy Laidlaw, will assume his new position at the end of the 2023 Super Rugby Pacific season, replacing outgoing head coach Jason Holland, who will join the All Blacks as Scott Robertson’s assistant coach following the Rugby World Cup.
After working as an assistant coach with the Hurricanes from 2013 to 2015 under Mark Hammett and Chris Boyd, Laidlaw took over as head coach of the New Zealand Sevens squad in 2017. From 2016 to 2018, he also served as the London Irish’s assistant coach.
The former stand-off, who was born and bred in Jedburgh, competed in the 2006 Commonwealth Games, scored 246 points in the World Sevens Series, and made his Scotland Sevens debut in 2001 before relocating to New Zealand.
“I played at a respectable level, was at ease, and had strong networks and relationships. I always believed there was a little bit more to it, but I could have certainly stayed there and worked my way up the system. There was more to the game, and I believed that New Zealand was the best place to discover it.
When it comes to the game, I definitely think more like a Kiwi than a Scot. I would like to think so. possessing the confidence and positivity that say, “If it’s on, it’s on.” It seems to be the key.
When Laidlaw was appointed the Sevens coach in 2017, he became the first foreigner to lead a national rugby squad in New Zealand. He led the team to victory in the Commonwealth Games and the Rugby World Cup Sevens the following year. Since then, he has guided the group to two victories in the HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series (2020 and 2023) and an Olympic silver medal (2021 Tokyo).
He declared, “I am incredibly proud of everything we have accomplished with the All Blacks Sevens.” “There has been a great deal of success, but there have also been difficulties. With all of the chances, lessons learned, and team bonds that go along with it, coaching a national team for championship events is something unique. As the Hurricanes’ head coach, it seemed like the appropriate time to take on a new task and develop a club that is already very good.
“His coaching record speaks for itself in terms of success,” stated Avan Lee, CEO of the Hurricanes. “We are excited to have him back with the Hurricanes to continue building on the fantastic work of Jason Holland and the current coaching staff, as he has performed admirably for the Sevens. Clark will assist the Hurricanes in achieving their goals by bringing a special set of skills to the team.
“He obviously has some tremendous connections and ties within the organization, having served as the Hurricanes’ assistant coach from 2013 to 2015.” In addition to anticipating his impact on the team on the field, we are also interested in seeing what he will do for our people and our culture.
“Clark’s transfer to the Hurricanes is a fantastic step in his coaching career and is a perfect example of how fresh and diverse experiences develop our top coaches,” said Chris Lendrum, general manager of NZR Professional Rugby and Performance. Throughout his six years with the All Blacks Sevens, he has set a high standard for himself, helped shape a lot of young men both on and off the field, and experienced great success.
