Greig Laidlaw rested for five weeks ahead of World Cup

Edinburgh Rugby have agreed to rest captain Greig Laidlaw for five weeks following a request from the Scotland national team.
The five-week break is intended to front-end next season with an appropriate amount of rest, going into a crucial 12-month competitive campaign that starts with Scotland’s 2014 four Test summer tour and culminates in the Rugby World Cup in 2015.
Scottish Rugby director of rugby Scott Johnson said: “Greig has played a lot of rugby for both Edinburgh Rugby and Scotland this season and he’s been a key figure in our leadership group.
“His time at Edinburgh has meant a great deal to him and he will have the opportunity to play again for Edinburgh this season.
“With the schedule as it stands looking ahead over the next 16 to 18 months, we’re grateful to Edinburgh for supporting this move.”
Edinburgh head coach Alan Solomons said: “The performance of the national team is of the utmost importance to the whole of Scottish Rugby, and this is will be a big year for Greig.
“He has been a long-standing servant of this club and we are happy to support him and Scottish Rugby in this regard.”
The extended rest period keeps the door open for Scotland A capped pair Grayson Hart (25) and Sean Kennedy (22), and Sam Hidalgo-Clyne (20), as the club looks forward to the seasons ahead.
Solmons added: “We have very capable, young Scottish scrum-halves who will compete for the number nine shirt next season, and will continue to get the opportunities they have handled admirably in Greig’s absence during the RBS 6 Nations.”