Wednesday 16 November 2016 16:49, UK
London Irish assistant coach Clark Laidlaw has been named as the new head coach of the New Zealand sevens team.
Laidlaw joined the Exiles at the start of last season and will return to New Zealand next summer after previous spells in the country as skills coach for the sevens set-up and as assistant at the Wellington Hurricanes.
He will replace Sir Gordon Tietjens, who resigned in September after New Zealand disappointed at the Olympic Games in Rio, finishing only fifth.
Tietjens had been in charge since 1994 and led the All Blacks to 12 World Series titles and Sevens World Cup victories in 2001 and 2013.
Laidlaw told the London Irish website: "It's a once in a life time opportunity to become head coach of the All Blacks Sevens team and I'm excited at the challenge that lies ahead.
"This is a great move for both me and my family, and I would like to thank London Irish and New Zealand Rugby for working together to make this move happen.
"My main focus is currently with London Irish and ensuring that the team is fully prepared each week as we continue to embrace the relentless nature of the Greene King IPA Championship.
"There is a real feel good factor around London Irish at present and the building blocks are certainly in place for the club to realise its long-term ambitions under [director of rugby] Nick Kennedy."
