in 2011 and doing punditry, before returning to coaching with Worcester Warriors. He’s also launched a clothing range called ‘Raging Bull’. Big man with big moves off the pitch.
Former Scotland skipper Greig Laidlaw to step down as Urayasu D-Rocks boss – Gatland tipped for shock return
Former Scotland captain Greig Laidlaw is set to call time on his stint as head coach of Japanese side Urayasu D-Rocks – and reports suggest Warren Gatland is in line to replace him.
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According to RugbyJP.com, Gatland – the ex-Wales and British & Irish Lions supremo – has been approached to take over from Laidlaw, who only took the reins last season.
Laidlaw, 38, won 76 caps for Scotland between 2010 and 2019, bowing out from international duty after the Rugby World Cup in Japan. He joined the Shining Arcs (as the club was then known) in 2020, before moving into coaching three years later.
When appointed last summer, Laidlaw became the youngest head coach in the league, succeeding South African Johan Ackermann. However, it proved a tough campaign – just three wins from 18 matches – with survival only secured via a nail-biting play-off win over Toyota Industries Shuttles Aichi.
RUCK understands Laidlaw could be heading back to Scotland, potentially linking up with Gregor Townsend’s coaching team for the Autumn Nations Series after defence coach Steve Tandy’s switch to Wales.
If Gatland does get the nod in Japan, it would mark his first permanent gig since stepping down as Wales boss earlier this year following a 14-match winless streak. The 61-year-old Kiwi most recently acted as an advisor to Uruguayan side Peñarol, helping them to the Super Rugby Americas title in June.
EDITORS PICKS:
A DECADE OF GLORY: WHERE ARE THE 2003 WORLD CUP HEROES NOW?
On this day 10 years ago, England snatched the Rugby World Cup on Aussie soil. Let’s dive into what those legends got up to since lifting the Webb Ellis.
15. Josh Lewsey – The Everest Attempting Ex-Soldier
Full-back Lewsey was a British Army officer before turning pro rugby after just two years of service. When he hung up his boots in 2009, whispers floated he might return to the forces. Instead, he aimed higher—literally—attempting Everest, but a faulty oxygen apparatus stopped him 500 feet from the summit. Afterward, he jumped into finance at PwC and CitiGroup. But the rugby bug bit again, and in 2023 he returned as acting CEO of the Cornish Pirates before becoming Welsh Rugby Union’s Head of Rugby. Fun fact: He’s half Welsh, so this return was kind of homecoming.
14. Jason Robinson – Wing Wizard & Sheep Farmer?
Robinson, cross-code star and scorer of England’s sole try in the final, retired from rugby union in 2007 but never quite stepped off the pitch scene. He coached for the Rugby Football League and Sale Sharks, dabbled in sheep farming (yes, seriously), and even returned briefly to playing with a local team. These days he’s focused on his own high-performance sports apparel line, ‘Proskins.’ Versatile on and off the field!
13. Will Greenwood – Inside Centre with a Media Makeover
Retiring in 2006, Greenwood has arguably enjoyed a second career in the media spotlight. He writes columns, analyses games on TV, appears in adverts, and is a popular figure on the after-dinner circuit. But his biggest claim to fame now? Hosting School of Hard Knocks on Sky Sports, a show tackling social inclusion by using rugby to inspire youth in deprived areas.
12. Mike Tindall – Royalty, Rugby, and Rowdiness
Tindall’s best known to the general public as Princess Zara Phillips’ husband, but he’s still very much in the game, playing for Gloucester and coaching youngsters. His England career ended post-2011 World Cup—marred by controversy after being fined £15,000 for throwing a dwarf in a bar (a bizarre incident dubbed ‘dwarf-gate’). He now co-hosts the very successful The Good, The Bad and The Rugby Podcast.
11. Ben Cohen – The 6’2” Gay Icon & Dancing Star
Retired in 2023, Cohen had already founded the Ben Cohen StandUp Foundation to fight bullying, focusing heavily on combating homophobic abuse. His advocacy has earned him ‘Ally of the Year’ from gay magazine Attitude—pretty impressive for a 6’2” ex-winger! He’s also a fan favorite on Strictly Come Dancing, proving his moves aren’t limited to the rugby pitch.
10. Jonny Wilkinson – The French Revival
The hero who kicked England to victory, Wilko’s career was nearly over shortly after 2003 due to mangled shoulder and knee injuries. After a few injury-plagued years, he revived his career at Toulon, France, starting in 2009. The sunny climate and different style suited him well—he led Toulon to Heineken Cup glory and snagged the ERC European Player of the Year. At 34, arguably the best shape of his career. Chapeau, as the French say!
9. Matt Dawson – Quiz Whiz & Culinary King
Arguably the most visible player off the pitch, Dawson transitioned into TV presenting and punditry. He’s a regular on Question of Sport, mixing rugby insight with quiz show charm. He’s appeared on reality TV, dazzled on Strictly Come Dancing, and combined his love for food and TV by appearing on cooking shows. Dawson also supports charity as president of Sparks, a children’s medical research charity.
8. Lawrence Dallaglio – The Charitable Back Row Legend
Dallaglio, an all-terrain back row who could slot blindside, openside, or No.8 (his final position in the 2003 final), retired in 2008. Post-rugby he tried coaching but settled on media work, mainly with BT Sport. His charitable efforts include founding Help For Heroes and his own charity focusing on disadvantaged youth through rugby.
7. Neil Back – The Coaching Journeyman
Openside flanker Back retired in 2005 and promptly moved into coaching. Starting at Leicester Tigers, he became Head Coach at Leeds for three years, until their relegation in 2011. After a stint with Rugby Lions and forwards coach at Edinburgh, he’s currently without a club. The bloke’s got coaching credentials but awaits the next big opportunity.
6. Richard Hill – The Ever-Present Warrior
Hill is the only player never dropped by Clive Woodward, a testament to his toughness and consistency. He retired five years ago and stayed close to Saracens, working in business development and coaching their academy. Though no longer involved, his name still resonates with fans of gritty, no-nonsense rugby.
5. Ben Kay – The Silent Giant
Kay, a Liverpudlian lock, spent his entire professional career at Leicester, retiring in 2010 aged 34. Known for ferocity and size, he’s kept a relatively low profile since, working as a commentator for ESPN and BT Sport. Bonus trivia: He once cheekily claimed on Twitter he kicked the winning drop goal in 2003—he didn’t, but it gave fans a chuckle.
4. Martin Johnson – The Mountain & Maverick Boss
England’s indomitable captain and lock, ‘Johnno’ transitioned straight into team management two years after retiring in 2006. Despite no prior coaching experience, his three-year tenure was rocky, culminating in the infamous ‘dwarf-gate’ scandal and disappointing 2011 World Cup. Now he enjoys coaching youngsters and punditry. Rumors suggest he’s gearing for a big comeback once armed with more experience.
3. Phil Vickery – Masterchef Farmer & Fashion Mogul
Devon cattle farmer and prop Vickery retired in 2018 aged 34, one of the early casualties of injury in the fully professional era. He took a TV detour, winning Celebrity Masterchef
2. Steve Thompson – The Comeback Hooker
Hooker Thompson retired young (29) due to neck and shoulder injuries but reversed his decision after six months, converting a coaching contract in France to playing. He finally quit for good in 2011 and now works as a TV pundit and brand ambassador, reportedly based in Dubai.
1. Trevor Woodman – The Scrum Consultant
Like Thompson, Woodman retired at 29 due to a serious back injury. He moved into coaching in Australia and at Wasps, now specializing as a scrum consultant helping teams navigate law changes. The law whisperer of rugby scrummaging.
REPLACEMENTS & LEGENDS OFF THE BENCH
- Dorian West (hooker): Former policeman turned Northampton Saints coach.
- Jason Leonard (prop): Vice president of the RFU, set to ascend further in rugby administration.
- Lewis Moody (flanker): ‘Mad Dog’ retired last year, now focuses on a property business with his wife.
- Kyran Bracken (scrum-half): Birthday boy of the 2003 final, Dancing on Ice winner in 2007.
- Martin Corry (lock): After-dinner speaker and motivational guru with various business ventures.
- Mike Catt (fly-half): Coaching England’s next generation in the national setup.
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