Cape Town - New Zealand have appointed Clark Laidlaw as their new Sevens head coach, who will take over the job at the end of the English season.
Laidlaw will arrive from London Irish where he is employed as assistant coach, with the Exiles currently battling to return to the Premiership.
He is former skills coach and video analyst of the All Blacks Sevens squad and was assistant coach of Super Rugby outfit the Hurricanes.
"It's a once in a lifetime opportunity to become head coach of the All Blacks Sevens and I’m excited at the challenge that lies ahead," he said.
"This is a great move for both me and my family, and I would like to thank London Irish and New Zealand Rugby for working together to make this move happen.
"My main focus is currently with London Irish and ensuring that the team is fully prepared each week as we continue to embrace the relentless nature of the Greene King IPA Championship.
"There is a real feel good factor around London Irish at present and the building blocks are certainly in place for the club to realise its long-term ambitions under Nick Kennedy."