Former Scottish rugby international Greig Laidlaw has been appointed as the head coach of Urayasu D-Rocks, a newly-promoted Japanese rugby team competing in the upcoming 2024/25 season. Laidlaw, who previously served as assistant coach to Johan Ackermann, played a pivotal role in the team’s successful promotion to the First Division of Japan’s League One, culminating in a thrilling 35-30 play-off victory against Hanazono Kintetsu Liners in May.
While there were speculations about Ackermann’s potential return to South Africa, he recently confirmed in an interview with SA Rugby Mag that he intends to honour the final year of his contract with D-Rocks. Despite this, Laidlaw has now assumed the responsibility of guiding the team as they prepare to compete in the elite division of Japanese club rugby next season.
Having been in Japan since 2020, Laidlaw enjoyed three seasons as a player for D-Rocks when they were known as NTT Communications Shining Arcs, before retiring from his illustrious playing career in April 2023. With a remarkable 76 international appearances and 714 points for Scotland, he also holds the record for most captaincies (39) for a men’s player in the country, second only to Chris Paterson in the all-time list.
Transitioning from player to coach, Laidlaw now has the opportunity to imprint his style of play on the team. The 38-year-old, known for his prowess as a former scrum-half, has expressed his commitment to implementing an innovative and entertaining brand of rugby that resonates with the Japanese spirit. In his own words, Laidlaw stated, “This season, we are setting out a new vision: to play a smart, innovative, and exciting brand of rugby. We want to showcase a style of play that is not only strategic but also exhilarating for our fans.”
Additionally, fans can catch an exclusive interview with Ardie Savea on RugbyPass TV, where he discusses his RWC 2023 experience, life in Japan, playing for the All Blacks, and his aspirations for the future in a candid conversation with Jim Hamilton.
With Greig Laidlaw at the helm, Urayasu D-Rocks is poised for a new era under his leadership, and fans can anticipate an exciting and promising season ahead.