BORDERER Clark Laidlaw has been appointed as head coach of New Zealand rugby club Hurricanes for 2024.

The 45-year-old from Jedburgh, who has been based in New Zealand for 15 years, will take up his new role at the conclusion of the 2023 Super Rugby Pacific season following the departure of current head coach Jason Holland, who will link up with the All Blacks as an assistant to Scott Robertson after the Rugby World Cup. 

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Laidlaw, who is the son of former Scotland and Jed-Forest scrum-half Roy Laidlaw and cousin of ex-Scotland rugby captain Greig Laidlaw, said he was excited to be returning to the Hurricanes, having been assistant between 2013 and 2015. 

He said: “I am really proud of all we have achieved with the All Blacks Sevens. We’ve seen a lot of success but also had our fair share of challenges. 

“The ability to coach a national team for pinnacle events, with the opportunities, learnings and team connections that come with it is really special. 

“It felt like the right time to take on a new challenge as head coach of the Hurricanes, while building on what is already a really strong team.” 

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In 2018, a year after becoming All Blacks Sevens head coach, Laidlaw guided New Zealand to gold at the 2018 Commonwealth Games and won the 2018 Rugby World Cup Sevens.  

Since then, Laidlaw has led his team to World Rugby Sevens Series titles in 2020 and 2023 and won a silver medal at the 2021 Tokyo Olympics. 

Hurricanes CEO Avan Lee said he was “thrilled” to see Laidlaw confirmed as their next head coach. 

“His coaching record speaks for itself in terms of success. He’s done a superb job for the Sevens, so we’re thrilled to see him return to the Hurricanes and continue to build on the great work of Jason Holland and the current wider coaching team. 

“Clark will bring a unique set of skills to the Hurricanes and help our club realise its ambitions. 

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“Obviously, having been assistant coach to the Hurricanes from 2013-2015, he already has some fantastic connections and relationships in the club. We’re excited about what he will bring to the club on-field but also look forward to watching his influence on the culture and our people.”

NZR general manager professional rugby and performance Chris Lendrum congratulated Laidlaw on his new role with the Hurricanes, while acknowledging his service and success with the All Blacks Sevens. 

“Clark’s move to the Hurricanes is an exciting progression in his coaching career and is a great example of how new and different experiences develop our top coaches. 

“He has constantly challenged himself throughout his six-year tenure with the All Blacks Sevens, developed a large number of young men on and off the field, and achieved a huge amount of success.”