Clark Laidlaw, son of rugby legend Roy Laidlaw, has become a standout figure in New Zealand rugby, leading the Hurricanes to a dominant Super Rugby title in 2026. Despite being Scottish-born, Laidlaw has spent 18 years in New Zealand, where he now holds citizenship and is far more celebrated than in his homeland. His Hurricanes team finished top of the regular season and won all knockout matches by large margins, including a 60-5 victory over the Chiefs in the final.
Eight of his players are in the All Blacks squad for the upcoming match against Scotland at Murrayfield, where Laidlaw will face his former country as an opposing coach. He remains deeply connected to Scotland, admitting he wants Scotland to beat the All Blacks — but only in this one game. Laidlaw credits his time with New Zealand sevens — where he won Commonwealth Games gold, World Cup Sevens gold, and an Olympic silver — with shaping his coaching philosophy and personal growth.
Exposure to Māori and Pacific Island cultures softened his aggressive Scottish traits, adding empathy and understanding. He left Scotland at 30, turning down offers from Leinster and Montpellier, drawn by curiosity and a desire to explore beyond Jedburgh’s “big walls.” Now, as he prepares to return to Murrayfield, he represents not just New Zealand rugby’s success, but a personal journey of transformation.
Source: BBC Sport · Summarized by HeadlinesBriefing