Laidlaw captains Edinburgh against Munster

Posted on Feb 18, 2010 in Rugby News

Greig Laidlaw will captain a new-look Edinburgh side for the trip to Magners League champions Munster on Friday evening (19 February, kick off 8pm, live on Setanta Ireland) and head coach Rob Moffat believes the scrum-half has the right skill-set to lead the side to a positive result.

Laidlaw, 24, signed a new two year contract with Edinburgh on Monday and has been rewarded with the captaincy for the trip to Cork to face the tournament title holders.

Moffat says that his elevation to captain was a logical choice and will lead to a seamless transition should replacement Mike Blair be introduced into the action during the game.

Moffat said: “Greig is playing consistently well and I think he is a natural leader.

“At scrum half, he is in a good position to captain the side and, with Mike on the bench, it means if we make the change then there is a straight swap.”

Laidlaw forms a half-back combination with David Blair, who makes his first appearance for Edinburgh since damaging his ankle against Bath in December.

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Laidlaw agrees new Edinburgh deal

Posted on Feb 16, 2010 in Rugby News

Greig Laidlaw says he is looking forward to challenging Mike Blair for Edinburgh’s number nine jersey after agreeing a new two year contract with the club.

The 24-year-old has enjoyed a productive season so far and has recorded 11 starts including a man-of-the-match display against Stade Francais in the Heineken Cup.

Now Laidlaw says he is aiming to help Edinburgh reach the Magners League Grand Final in May and competing with captain Blair to be the team’s first choice scrum half.

Laidlaw said: “I’m very happy to be signing for another two years. First and foremost, I want to help the team reach the play-offs and challenge for the title.

“Another target is that I want to keep my place in the Edinburgh side. Mike has just signed a new contract as well, so I’m looking forward to the battle.

“I’ve been delighted with how this season has gone so far. I think I’ve developed massively as a player this year.

“I’ve really enjoyed my rugby and I think that has shown on the pitch. I’ve been pleased with some of the performances I’ve put in and long may that continue.”

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A December to remember say Scotland’s regional coaches

Posted on Dec 1, 2009 in Rugby News

Edinburgh head coach Rob Moffat and Glasgow Warriors head coach Sean Lineen both celebrated St Andrew’s Day today (Monday) by announcing: December is going to be a massive month.

Following Scotland’s Autumn Tests, the Magners League programme resumes this weekend with second-placed Edinburgh travelling to Scarlets (Friday 4 December, kick off 7.05pm, live on BBC Wales) and Warriors – currently in third spot – heading across to face Ulster on the same night (kick off 8pm).

Then both teams are involved in a series of high-profile blockbuster clashes – starting with the Heineken Cup’s ‘Scotland versus the West Country’ double header where Glasgow face back-to-back Pool matches against Gloucester while Edinburgh face Bath in successive weekends.

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