Scotland's rugby team is set to face a familiar face on Saturday as attack coach Mike Blair returns to Murrayfield with the All Blacks. Blair, a former Scotland captain, will be part of the team that takes on Scotland in a highly anticipated match.
Meanwhile, Clark Laidlaw, son of rugby legend Roy Laidlaw, has been making waves in New Zealand as the head coach of the Super Rugby champions, the Hurricanes. Laidlaw's team dominated the competition, finishing top of the table and winning the final against the Chiefs 60-5. This is his third season in charge, and he has been instrumental in the team's success. Laidlaw's journey to becoming a successful coach began when he left Scotland at 16 to pursue a career in rugby. He worked as a skills coach in Taranaki, New Zealand, and eventually became the New Zealand sevens coach, leading the team to Commonwealth Games gold, World Cup Sevens gold, and Olympics silver in Tokyo. Laidlaw's experience in New Zealand has had a profound impact on him, both personally and professionally. He has become a New Zealand passport holder and has been influenced by the Maori and Pacific Island culture, which has helped him develop a more empathetic and understanding side. The question on everyone's mind is whether Laidlaw will return to Scotland to take on the top job as head coach. He has expressed his willingness to have a conversation about the position, but for now, his focus remains on the Hurricanes. If his current success continues, it's likely that he will be in high demand, both in New Zealand and Scotland.