Biography
Roy James Laidlaw was born on October 5, 1953, in Jedburgh, Scotland. Standing at 1.68 meters tall and weighing 73 kg, Laidlaw became renowned for his tenacity and skill as a scrum-half in the rugby union. His career, characterized by strategic gameplay and courageous performances, left a lasting impact on Scottish rugby.
Teams Played For and Years
- Amateur Teams:
- Jed-Forest RFC
- Provincial/State Sides:
- Scottish Borders
- South of Scotland
- International Teams:
- Scotland ‘B’ (1975-1980)
- Scotland (1980-1988)
- British and Irish Lions (1983)
International Caps
Roy Laidlaw was capped 47 times by Scotland during his international career from 1980 to 1988. Additionally, he played seven matches for the British and Irish Lions during their 1983 tour to New Zealand.
Most Important Moments in His Sporting Life
- Debut and Early Career: Laidlaw made his international debut for Scotland on February 2, 1980, against Ireland. Although he was initially a reserve, his consistent performances earned him a regular spot on the team from 1981 onwards.
- 1984 Grand Slam: One of the pinnacles of Laidlaw’s career was being part of the Scottish team that won the Grand Slam in 1984. His ability to break from the scrum was considered one of Scotland’s sharpest attacking weapons during the tournament.
- Partnership with John Rutherford: Laidlaw formed a legendary half-back partnership with John Rutherford, playing together a record 35 times for Scotland. This partnership was highly celebrated for their complementary styles and effectiveness on the field.
- British and Irish Lions Tour 1983: Laidlaw played in all four tests during the British Lions tour to New Zealand in 1983, even captaining the team twice. His performance was notable for its consistency and leadership.
- Coaching Career: After retiring as a player, Laidlaw took on coaching roles, including being the Head Coach of the Combined Scottish Districts side in 1996. Under his guidance, the team played against Australia in November 1996, marking the last match for the combined team before the professionalization of Scotland’s district teams.
Roy Laidlaw’s legacy in rugby is marked by his skill, courage, and contributions both on and off the field, making him one of Scotland’s most respected rugby players.