Scotland Legend Greig Laidlaw has confirmed his upcoming retirement from rugby, and will hang up his boots at the end of the season. The 37-year-old took to social media with the announcement, and discussed his intentions to now pursue a career in coaching.
Laidlaw is currently playing for Urayasu D-Rocks, in the Japanese Division 2. Laidlaw has the opportunity to secure his side’s promotion into the Japan Rugby League One, in his final matches for the Kanto region side. Laidlaw final matches will see Urayasu take on Hanazono Kintetsu Liners in a two-legged promotion/relegation play of contest.
The former Scotland captain led his side out on 39 occasions, and made a total of 76 caps for his country. Laidlaw started his rugby journey in his hometown of Edinburgh, and became a well-established club centurion with 138 appearances for the Scottish capital’s side.
Laidlaw then made his way to the Premiership in 2014, and joined up with Gloucester Rugby. He quickly became a fan favourite in the Kingsholm ‘Shed’, and played a crucial part in the Cherry and Whites’ triumphant 2014/15 Challenge Cup final. Taking on his beloved Edinburgh, Laidlaw slotted 14 critical points from the tee in the narrow 19-13 victory.
Following his success in England, Laidlaw moved to France after agreeing a deal with Clermont Auvergne in 2017. Laidlaw again found success in the Challenge Cup and doubled his winners medals, as Clermont lifted the trophy in 2019. Laidlaw completed his globetrotting journey with a move to Japan in 2020, and remained with Urayasu for the twilight of his career. Laidlaw described his time in Japan as “the most incredible experience”.
The former British and Irish Lion was selected for the 2017 tour to New Zealand, and played in six of the seven non-test matches of the tour. Laidlaw marked his Lions debut with a successfully taken penalty against the New Zealand Provincial Barbarians, in the tour’s opening game.