Laidlaw signs for Japan's Shining Arcs

Former Scotland captain Greig Laidlaw has signed for Japanese Top League side Shining Arcs.

Laidlaw, 34, retired from international duty after the 2019 Rugby World Cup and has ended his three-year association with Clermont Auvergne for a move to Japan.

The experienced scrum-half will team up with Australia flanker Liam Gill and Rebels hooker Anaru Rangi ahead of the 2021 season.

"At the Scotland Tests in Japan in 2016 and at the World Cup last year, I was able to experience the wonderful culture of Japan and meet wonderful fans," Laidlaw said in a Shining Arcs statement.

【2020年度新加入選手のお知らせ】 グレイグ・レイドロー（Greig Laidlaw）前所属・クレルモン／スコットランド出身 リアム・ギル（Liam Gill）前所属・LOU／オーストラリア出身 アナル・ランギ（Anaru Rangi）前所属・REBELS／ニュージーランド出身https://t.co/suLEyoNKub#shiningarcs pic.twitter.com/T9qldBh0ql

— S h i n i n g A r c s_o f f i c i a l (@ShiningArcs) July 6, 2020

"Every time I have visited Japan, I was welcomed with a wonderful hospitality and I look forward to living in this country and becoming a member of Shining Arcs."

This year's Top League season was cancelled due to coronavirus and the 2021 campaign is not scheduled to begin until January.