Clark Laidlaw lifts lid on Riley Higgins’ pivotal career call

Hurricanes head coach Clark Laidlaw isn’t holding any grudges about departing midfielder Riley Higgins, after the 23-year-old announced a move to Edinburgh for the next three seasons.

Higgins, an All Black XV representative in 2024, signed a three-year deal with Scottish side Edinburgh this week, signalling his intention to play for Scotland over the All Blacks.

The former New Zealand U20 international started for Clayton McMillan’s All Blacks XV side in their end-of-year tour against Georgia in 2024, starting at No.12 in the convincing 31-13 victory.

Speaking to New Zealand media in Wellington on Tuesday, Laidlaw was quick to shut down some rumours about why Higgins decided on leaving the Hurricanes.

‘That is the juggle you’ve got. You know we have more than one good player in one position, it’s like a loose forward, it’s quite similar, how do you keep everybody happy? And the short answer is, you can’t,” Laidlaw said.

“Riley made his decision a while ago, it’s not been based on whether he’s been getting a game in the last couple of weeks because he’s actually injured at the minute, he’s got a shoulder injury.”

“It’s really difficult to keep that middle tier when it comes to the budget, Riley’s Scottish qualified and I think the good thing about Riley’s decision is he could have went somewhere else for more money, because he had other options.

“He had an option to stay here, we genuinely offered him a two year contract, and we’d love him to stay and keep that strength in depth. But what I quite like about his decision is he’s still made it for the rugby reasons.

“He wants to go there and prove himself over there, and if he’s good enough to play for Scotland or play and start for Edinburgh, play well and be considered, that’s the probably deeper part of his reason.”

Laidlaw compares the Higgins departure to the likes of Hoskins Sotutu from the Blues, where being eligible for another tier one nation likely swayed the decision making process.

“They can probably offer more money than us, and he qualifies for Scotland. It’s like a Hoskins Sotutu too, I guess, isn’t it? Is he more worthwhile going to England because he qualifies for England? With the rules they have over there, then yes.

“So you know these teams, the countries are active, they’re aggressive. They know all the players are Scottish qualified or Irish qualified so they’re actively trying to recruit, which is part of the professional game, isn’t it.”

Earlier in the week, Higgins told edinburghrugby.org that he’s excited to kickstart his career in Europe.

“I can’t wait to get stuck in with Edinburgh. It’s a big move but the challenge of testing myself in a new competition, with such a great team and such passionate fans, is very exciting.

“The club has a great feel to it and I can’t wait to grow my game with Edinburgh Rugby over the next few years.

“I’m still young and learning but I’m hungry to improve as a player and person on and off the field, and help the team wherever I can in the hope of winning some titles.

“Fans can expect a hard-working player who will never give up, and someone who brings an exciting style of play. I can’t wait to see you all soon!”