Laidlaw to coach Hurricanes
All Blacks Sevens coach Clark Laidlaw has been named as the new coach of the Hurricanes men’s team.
Laidlaw will take over the reins for next year from Jason Holland, who will be an assistant coach to Scott Robertson with the All Blacks.
Laidlaw, 45, has been in charge of the All Blacks Sevens since 2018, achieving gold at the 2018 Commonwealth Games, silver at the 2021 Tokyo Olympics, gold at the Rugby World Cup sevens in 2018 and World Rugby Sevens titles in 2020 and this year.
He will take up the Hurricanes job after the Super Rugby Pacific season finishes and Holland leaves for his new role. The Canes have their last match before the playoffs at home against the second-place Crusaders on Saturday night. They are currently fifth on the standings.
When Holland’s role as a Robertson lieutenant was confirmed last month, the Hurricanes were thought to have a list of between eight and 10 names to work through as his replacement.
Laidlaw has been at the Hurricanes before, having been assistant coach to Mark Hammett and Chris Boyd between 2013 and 2015.
‘‘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,’’ he said yesterday.
‘‘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.’’
Hurricanes CEO Avan Lee said he was thrilled to have Laidlaw as 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.’’