All Blacks Sevens coach Clark Laidlaw has been appointed the new head coach of the Hurricanes.
Laidlaw takes the reins from Jason Holland, who is joining the All Blacks as an assistant coach under Scott Robertson after the World Cup.
The 45-year-old was an assistant at the Hurricanes under Mark Hammett and Chris Boyd from 2013 to 2015 and said he's eager to return to the capital.
Newshub understands Laidlaw may remain with the All Blacks Sevens in a support role for next year's Paris Olympics.
"I am really proud of all we have achieved with the All Blacks Sevens," said Laidlaw.
"We've seen a lot of success but also had our fair share of challenges. The ability to coach a national team for pinnacle events, with the opportunities, learnings and team connections that come with it is really special.
"It felt like the right time to take on a new challenge as head coach of the Hurricanes, while building on what is already a really strong team."
Under Laidlaw's guidance, the All Blacks Sevens have won two World Series titles and a silver medal at the Tokyo Olympics.
In 2018, they won Commonwealth Games gold on the Gold Coast and the Sevens World Cup.
Laidlaw is the first piece of the puzzle to fall into place in the Super Rugby head coaching carasel, with Leon MacDonald also due to leave the Blues to link up with Robertson - who'll part ways with the Crusaders - at the end of this season.
He was also one of the candidates under consideration to replace MacDonald in Auckland.
Hurricanes chief executive Avan Lee says he's "thrilled" at Laidlaw's appointment and is confident his previous experience at the club will give him a unique advantage in his new role.
"His coaching record speaks for itself in terms of success," Lee noted.
"He's done a superb job for the sevens, so we're thrilled to see him return to the Hurricanes and continue to build on the great work of Jason Holland and the current wider coaching team.
"Clark will bring a unique set of skills to the Hurricanes and help our club realise its ambitions.
"He already has some fantastic connections and relationships in the club. We're excited about what he will bring to the club on-field but also look forward to watching his influence on the culture and our people."
