Pat Lam to leave Connacht at the end of the season

Breaking news from Galway this morning.

It has been announced this morning that Connacht head coach, Pat Lam, is to leave Connacht Rugby at the end of the current season. Lam will leave the Westerners at the end of the season to take up a new coaching role with a yet to be named club. Lam said in his statement:

"This has been one of the most difficult decisions I’ve had to make in my life as Connacht and Galway is such a special place for myself and my family." "The friendships, support and memories we all have experienced throughout our time in the West of Ireland is truly heartfelt and will never be forgotten. “I feel extremely blessed to have been given an opportunity four years ago to build on the excellent work of Eric Elwood. I’m very proud that I can now pass on the baton with the knowledge that Connacht Rugby is truly seen as one of four strong provinces of Irish rugby.  “Rugby should never be about the individual as players and coaches will always come and go. We have worked hard to have the structures and systems in place to ensure the future success of the province for our community. " I truly believe that through our strategic plan and the vision of Grassroots to Green Shirts, Connacht Rugby is in an extremely strong place going forward. “

This will come as a devastating blow to the Western province. More to follow....