Northern Edition

Select Edition

Northern Northern
Southern Southern
Global Global
New Zealand New Zealand
France France

Greig Laidlaw posts 'crazy times' farewell after three years at Clermont

(Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images)

Ex-Scotland captain Greig Laidlaw has described his time with Clermont as an “incredible learning experience” after saying farewell to the French club. It was long expected the 34-year-old would be moving on at the end of the 2019/20 season, with rumours of a move to Japan circulating after he apparently turned down an approach from Perpignan. 

ADVERTISEMENT

Having arrived from Gloucester in 2017, Laidlaw’s three-year spell at the Stade Marcel Michelin was brought to a premature end by the current Covid-19 pandemic.

The Scot had already announced the end of his eight-year, 76-cap international career in December following the World Cup, and this now looks to be the end to his club career in Europe. 

Video Spacer

Fijian powerhouse Nemani Nadolo guests on the latest edition of The Rugby Pod

Video Spacer

Fijian powerhouse Nemani Nadolo guests on the latest edition of The Rugby Pod

He shared his mixed emotions on Instagram after his time with the club ended in ways that he would not have wanted. This is what he said: 

“Due to the current global situation, my time at Clermont has come to an abrupt end. It’s been a fantastic three years – there have been many great times, many fun times and some frustrations as well.

“I’m disappointed that we don’t get to have the opportunity to go out there and win something this season, but I understand why we can’t and that now has to be my time to say goodbye to the club and the amazing supporters – it has been fantastic playing and captaining Clermont on occasions over the last few years. 

“I wish everyone at the club and the Yellow Army all the best for the future. It’s crazy times right now but you will always have a place in my heart and hope you are looking forward to the return of rugby as much as I am!”

ADVERTISEMENT

https://www.instagram.com/p/CAXUYnLqv1e/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

The Top 14 season was terminated in France in early May with Clermont sitting in sixth place. They were also in the Heineken Champions Cup quarter-finals with a home fixture against Racing 92.

It’s understandable that Laidlaw is disappointed there was no glory this season, but this has been a successful tenure for him in France, marked by his 18-point haul in his side’s Challenge Cup final victory over La Rochelle last year. 

ADVERTISEMENT

LIVE

{{item.title}}

Trending on RugbyPass

Comments

0 Comments
Be the first to comment...

Join free and tell us what you really think!

Sign up for free
ADVERTISEMENT

Latest Features

Comments on RugbyPass

J
JW 31 minutes ago
England player ratings vs South Africa | 2024 Autumn Nations Series

As has been the way all year, and for all England's play I can remember. I missed a lot of the better years under Eddie though.


Lets have a look at the LQB for the last few games... 41% under 3 sec compared to 56% last week, 47% in the game you felt England best in against NZ, and 56 against Ireland.


That was my impression as well. Dunno if that is a lack of good counterattack ball from the D, forward dominance (Post Contact Meters stats reversed yesterday compared to that fast Ireland game), or some Borthwick scheme, but I think that has been highlighted as Englands best point of difference this year with their attack, more particularly how they target using it in certain areas. So depending on how you look at it, not necessarily the individual players.


You seem to be falling into the same trap as NZs supporters when it comes to Damien McKenzie. That play you highlight Slade in wasn't one of those LQB situations from memory, that was all on the brilliance of Smith. Sure, Slade did his job in that situation, but Smith far exceeded his (though I understand it was a move Sleightholme was calling for). But yeah, it's not always going to be on a platter from your 10 and NZ have been missing that Slade line, in your example, more often than not too. When you go back to Furbank and Feyi-Waboso returns you'll have that threat again. Just need to generate that ball, wait for some of these next Gen forwards to come through etc, the props and injured 6 coming back to the bench. I don't think you can put Earl back to 7, unless he spends the next two years speeding up (which might be good for him because he's getting beat by speed like he's not used to not having his own speed to react anymore).

7 Go to comments
TRENDING
TRENDING Joe Schmidt explains reasoning behind dropping Joseph Suaalii Joe Schmidt explains reasoning behind dropping Joseph Suaalii
Search