Today, the Hurricanes and New Zealand Rugby (NZR) confirmed that Clark Laidlaw will take over as head coach of the Hurricanes in 2024.
After the 2023 DHL Super Rugby Pacific season, the 45-year-old will assume his new position, succeeding Jason Holland, the current head coach, who will join the All Blacks as Scott Robertson’s assistant coach following the Rugby World Cup.
After serving as the assistant coach to former Hurricanes Head Coaches Mark Hammett and Chris Boyd from 2013 to 2015, Laidlaw expressed his excitement about rejoining the Hurricanes while also expressing pride in his stint with the All Blacks Sevens.
“I am incredibly pleased of everything the All Blacks Sevens have accomplished. While there has been much progress, there have also been many 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.
2018, the year Laidlaw took over as All Blacks Sevens Head Coach, saw New Zealand win the Rugby World Cup Sevens and the gold medal at the Commonwealth Games.
Since then, Laidlaw has coached his team to silver medals at the Tokyo Olympics in 2021 and two HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series championships in 2020 and 2023.Avan Lee, CEO of the Hurricanes, expressed his excitement at Laidlaw’s confirmation as the team’s next head coach.
“His track record of accomplishment as a coach speaks for itself. 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 achieve 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 culture and people.
Chris Lendrum, General Manager of NZR Professional Rugby and Performance, acknowledged Laidlaw’s accomplishments and service with the All Blacks Sevens while congratulating him on his new position with the Hurricanes.
“Clark’s transition to the Hurricanes is a fascinating next step in his coaching career and a wonderful illustration of how our best coaches are developed by exposure to new and varied experiences. Throughout his six years with the All Blacks Sevens, he has set a high standard for himself, developed a great deal of young men both on and off the field, and experienced great success.
