Kiwis back to sevens heaven in Clark era
CLARK LAIDLAW has made a stunning start to life as head coach of one of the world’s best known teams.
The cousin of Scotland international Greig and son of Scots legend Roy joined the New Zealand Sevens team in the summer aiming to turn their fortunes round after they failed to win a World Rugby Sevens Series tournament in 2016-17.
It was the first time in the professional era the Kiwis had appointed a foreigner. And things have started well for the 40-year-old from Jedburgh with a runners-up spot in Dubai followed by a win at the South Africa event at the weekend.
Former Scotland sevens player Laidlaw said: “I’m pleased for the squad to get this victory under our belts and it now sets us up nicely heading into 2018.
“The game of sevens has changed a lot from when I was playing. The athletes are a lot bigger and a lot more countries are putting money and backing into the game.
“You only have to look at the fact countries such as Canada and Scotland won World Series events last season to see the strength in depth of the circuit. It really is a test to get out the pool stages each week let alone win a tournament.
“People talk a lot about the fact I’m a non-Kiwi but I have a great affinity with New Zealand and have built up good relationships there.
“That combined with my passion for sevens and its ever-evolving nature should see us doing all right.”