A laser rod assembly includes a first and second laser rod embedded in a cladding material. The assembly has a first end and a second end. The laser rods generate laser light at λlaser (λlaser light) when pumped by pump power at λpump. A reflecting outer surface at λpump is on or over a majority of an outer surface of the cladding material. Fold optic(s) on the second end provides optical coupling between the laser rods. An optical resonator includes a highly reflecting (HR) mirror at λlaser over an end of the first laser rod on the first end and an output coupler over an end of the second laser rod also on the first end.