Greig Laidlaw, the former Scotland rugby union captain, has announced his retirement from the sport at the age of 37, ending a remarkable career in which he led his country more times than any other player.
Speaking about his decision to retire, Laidlaw said, “It’s been an incredible journey, but I feel it’s the right time for me to step away from playing and move on to the next chapter.”
He played his last season of club rugby in Japan in 2020, and has decided to retire from the sport now that the regular club season in Japan has concluded.
Although Laidlaw retired from Test rugby after the 2019 World Cup, he has expressed his desire to stay involved in the sport as a coach, saying, “I plan to move into coaching and hope to share some of the knowledge and experience I have gained over the years with future generations of rugby players.” Laidlaw also intends to stay in Japan for a while longer with his family.
Reflecting on his career, Laidlaw wrote on Instagram, “Throughout my playing career I have pushed myself, I have taken on new experiences, continuously learnt and immersed myself in different cultures.
“I have always enjoyed figuring out how to work as a team and how to get the best out of my teammates, things I will take with me and continue to develop.”
Laidlaw won 76 caps for Scotland, with 39 of those games played as captain. He was widely regarded as one of the best scrum-halves of his generation, and his leadership and tactical nous were invaluable to the Scotland team.
His wife posted on Instagram, writing: “We are so proud of you ❤️!
“What a chapter it has been!! 17 years of doing what you love most and chasing your dreams! Who would have thought all those years ago where rugby would take us.
“As a family we have loved sharing this journey with you from 🏴 🏴 🇫🇷 now 🇯🇵! The opportunities rugby has given us all have been amazing and the wonderful friends we have met along the way always making being away from home more bearable.
“The boys adapting to different cultures and languages has been amazing to watch and so grateful they have been given these opportunities. We love you so much ❤️❤️❤️❤️ and so proud of all you have achieved.”
Website Ranks The Worst British & Irish Lions Players
A countdown of the 5 worst British & Irish Lions players from Pundit Arena features two England players – but No 1 is beyond argument.
Pundit Arena’s WORST LIONS PLAYERS:
5 – Tyrone Howe
PA: “When Dan Luger pulled out with an injury a strange call-up was made by Graham Henry in 2001. A career blighted by injury, only managing 14 caps for Ireland he must count himself lucky to have represented the Lions.”
RUCK: The 30-year-old, who had only won six caps for Ireland at the time, was pencilled in on the Lions’ standby list following some impressive Heineken Cup displays for Ulster. Can’t really argue with what PA have said.
VERDICT: Justified