The 45-year-old will take up his new role at the conclusion of the 2023 DHL Super Rugby Pacific season and following the departure of current Head Coach, Jason Holland, who will link up with the All Blacks as an Assistant Coach to Scott Robertson after the Rugby World Cup
Laidlaw said he was excited to be returning to the Hurricanes, having been Assistant Coach to former Hurricanes Head Coaches Mark Hammett and Chris Boyd between 2013 and 2015, but also proud of his time with the All Blacks Sevens.
“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.”
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, Laidlaw has led his team to HSBC 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 the next Hurricanes 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.
“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.”
Key dates:
2018-current: All Blacks Sevens Head Coach (2018 Rugby World Cup Sevens, 2020 & 2023 World Rugby Sevens Series winners)
2016-2018: Assistant Coach of London Irish
2013-2015: Assistant Coach of the Hurricanes
2010-2012: Skills Coach and Video Analyst New Zealand sevens
2010: Skills Coach for Taranaki