Laidlaw targets ‘unique’ Cup-winning, homecoming send-off
Scotland scrum-half Greig Laidlaw is targeting a ‘unique’ finish to his Gloucester tenure in the European Rugby Challenge Cup final at the venue where his professional playing career began, BT Murrayfield Stadium (Friday 12 May).The Borderer made a timely return for his club in Saturday’s semi-final win over La Rochelle, where the Cherry and Whites became the first team to beat the TOP14 leaders at Stade Marcel-Deflandre this season.The win confirmed Gloucester’s trip to face Stade Francais Paris in Edinburgh, where Laidlaw has earned 33 of his 58 Scotland caps to date and spent eight seasons – three as captain – at Edinburgh Rugby (2006-2014).Laidlaw has been absent from club duty since mid-January when he was called up for a RBS 6 Nations campaign cut short by an ankle injury in the second round against France in Paris.The road back from injury can be a long and arduous one and Laidlaw was quick to pay tribute to his club’s support staff for getting him back in time to influence the outcome of the Challenge Cup final on Friday 12 May.TICKETS | European Rugby Champions and Challenge Cup FinalsHe said: “The physio and strength and conditioning teams have worked really hard to get me to this place. I felt good in the semi-final and will continue to work on getting my sharpness back.”I’m feeling better every day. It’s just about fine tuning now.”Fellow Scotland back Matt Scott – another to be injured in the RBS 6 Nations – is also believed to be nearing a return, and with four tries to his name in the pool stages he would also be a welcome sight for travelling Gloucester and home-based Scotland fans at BT Murrayfield.Two English Premiership games – a visit to Bath before a final run-out at Kingsholm against Exeter Chiefs – could provide ample opportunity to do just that, as Laidlaw eyes up the prospect of going out on a high with the trophy he lifted for the first time two years ago.”If we could win again it would certainly top it off, added Laidlaw.”I think it would be brilliant to finish my Gloucester career in Edinburgh on a high. It would be unique in a sense.”Obviously I love playing at BT Murrayfield for Scotland – the recent win over Ireland was one of my most memorable games in the Scotland shirt – so it would be great to add another in Gloucester colours before I move on. It would be a nice way to finish.”The support we get from Gloucester fans is superb. They’ve been queuing at the ticket office since we beat La Rochelle so I expect we’ll see a few of them in Edinburgh for the final.”Hopefully, with the Scottish connection to Gloucester through me and many other Scotland players before, we’ll have the backing of the Scottish support as well.”Laidlaw’s position of uniqueness is further enhanced by the fortune that awaits his new club ASM Clermont Auvergne, who will face Saracens in the European Rugby Champions Cup final the following day (Saturday 13 May) at the same venue.After all is said and done in the Challenge Cup final, you can imagine Laidlaw will be afforded the time to relax and enjoy the final the following day as he ponders his pastures new.European Rugby finals weekend at BT MurrayfieldFriday 12 May – European Rugby Challenge Cup Final – Gloucester Rugby v Stade Francais Paris (kick-off 8pm) – Sky Sports / BT Sport / beIN Sports / FR4Saturday 13 May – Continental Shield Final (back pitches) Enisei-STM v Krasny Yar (kick-off 12 noon)Saturday 13 May – European Rugby Champions Cup Final ASM Clermont Auvergne v Saracens (kick-off 5pm) – Sky Sports / BT Sport / beIN Sports / FR2Tickets for the European Rugby Champions and Challenge Cup finals are available at www.eticketing.co.uk/scottishrugby
Tags
Related news

Hollie Davidson receives referee cap

Celtic Challenge 2024/25: Round 7 Review

Squads for Round 2 Girls Regional Game Series announced

Arnold Clark Men’s Premiership feature match: Ayr v Marr

Three changes as Scotland team named ahead of Ireland clash

Scotland U20 unchanged for Ireland test

Scottish Brain Sciences move operations to Scottish Gas Murrayfield

Celtic Challenge 2024/25 | Round 6 Review

Help us review male adult season structure
