The transplanted Scot doing famous father proud in New Zealand

Clark Laidlaw, a Scottish-born coach and son of former Scotland international Roy Laidlaw, has led the Hurricanes to the 2026 Super Rugby title in his third season in charge. His success has made him a prominent figure in New Zealand rugby, while his story highlights the Scots who have built coaching and performance careers there.

Laidlaw moved to New Zealand aged 30 after working in Scottish rugby and local government, and has since coached the country’s sevens team to Commonwealth Games and World Cup gold, and Olympic silver in Tokyo. The Hurricanes finished top of the regular-season table and won their knockout matches 66-12, 57-21 and 60-5; eight players from the squad were selected for New Zealand’s tour. Though now a New Zealand passport holder, Laidlaw says he wants Scotland to beat the All Blacks.