Source: Radio New Zealand
Clark Laidlaw head coach of the Hurricanes before Super Rugby Pacific – Hurricanes v Chiefs at Sky Stadium, Wellington, New Zealand on Saturday 13 April 2024. Photosport / Elias Rodriguez
Head coach Clark Laidlaw will continue to guide the Hurricanes after re-signing with the franchise to the end of the next Super Rugby season.
Laidlaw’s contract renewal extends his tenure as head coach of the men’s team to a fourth season since joining the Hurricanes from the All Blacks Sevens ahead of the 2024 campaign.
New Hurricanes coach Clark Laidlaw. Andrew Cornaga/Photosport
The 48-year-old has led the Hurricanes to a semi-final and a qualifying final over the past two seasons, and has guided the team to the top of this year’s Super Rugby Pacific standings after five rounds.
Laidlaw said he’s thoroughly enjoyed his time at the Hurricanes.
“It’s a huge honour and privilege to continue serving the club. I really feel like I’m at home here. I love being involved with the team. We play a brand of rugby that really fits with my thinking on the game,” Laidlaw said.
“We’re building a squad and a club with new owners and new leadership, and I feel I really align with how they see it, so that was a big part of my decision to stay. The identity of the team and the way we want to play the game is something I really align with as well.
“Some days you feel like you’re only getting started. I’m a couple years in, but I still think there’s loads to develop, loads for me to be better at, loads for the team to grow into, and this is the place I want to do that.”
Prior to his appointment as Hurricanes head coach, the former Scottish sevens international – who became a New Zealand citizen late last year – had been an assistant coach at the club between 2013 and 2015.
Laidlaw has previously coached the All Blacks Sevens and has had roles with London Irish, New Zealand U20, Samoa, Taranaki, and Wellington sevens.
He won the 2018 Sevens World Cup, 2018 Commonwealth Games, 2020 World Sevens Series, and a silver medal at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics while All Blacks Sevens head coach.
Interim Hurricanes chief executive Tony Philp was thrilled to secure Laidlaw’s services for another season.
“We’re excited that Clark has signed on with the Hurricanes until 2027,” Philp said.
“He embodies our values and has a unique ability to get the best out of people. Clark cares first, which fosters an environment of deep connection that then enables performances to be proud of.
“Having him on board for another year will ensure our culture deepens.”
– Published by EveningReport.nz and AsiaPacificReport.nz, see: MIL OSI in partnership with Radio New Zealand
