'A Hurricane through and through': Clark Laidlaw extends time in Kiwi capital

Hurricanes head coach Clark Laidlaw has signed a one-year extension in the Kiwi capital, keeping him on board with the Hurricanes for the 2027 Super Rugby Pacific season.

Laidlaw succeeded Jason Holland as Hurricanes head coach ahead of the 2024 season, having won gold at the Sevens World Cup, Commonwealth Games, World Sevens Series, and a silver medal at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics as the All Blacks Sevens head coach.

Holland, of course, departed to become attack coach at the All Blacks, but has since returned to the club as an attack coach under Laidlaw after opting not to seek a new contract with the national team.

For Scotsman Laidlaw, extending his stay with the Hurricanes comes at a time of transition at the club, and he’s happy to be providing some continuity while attempting to build the team into true title contenders once more.

“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.

“Between the new leadership and the style of game we want to play, and the players, coaches, and management we’ve got, it was a pretty easy decision.”

While halfway around the world from his homeland, Laidlaw is now a New Zealand citizen and has his team sitting pretty atop the Super Rugby Pacific table after five rounds of action, although they face their first Kiwi derby this weekend with a visit to Dunedin to face Jamie Joseph’s Highlanders.

Head-to-Head

Last 5 Meetings

Wins

0

Draws

0

Wins

5

Average Points scored

14

36

First try wins

40%

Home team wins

40%

Interim Hurricanes chief executive Tony Philp said Laidlaw’s extension was a big win for the club.

“We’re excited that Clark has signed on with the Hurricanes until 2027,” Philp said.

“He embodies our Swirl 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, which we are thrilled about.

“He’s a Hurricane through and through, and we couldn’t be prouder that he’s staying next season to continue to embed what it means to be a Hurricane.”