We are shocked that the Kiwi coach is making this move in his career.
News broke Monday morning that Pat Lam is to leave Connacht at the end of the season.
We can't believe it https://t.co/l4CXV0lXV3
— SportsJOE (@SportsJOEdotie) December 5, 2016
If this news came as a blow to Connacht fans, the club Lam is set to leave the province for will only add salt to the wounds.
Shortly after his departure from the Pro12 champions was confirmed it emerged that Lam is to take over as head coach of Aviva Premiership outfit, Bristol Rugby.
Bristol Rugby aren’t exactly a successful top-flight English team – they currently lie bottom of the Premiership with no wins and a point differential of -178.
They are staring the Championship right in the eyes.
Lam will begin his new role in June ahead of the 2017/2018 season. Chairman of Bristol Rugby, Chris Booy, said in an official statement:
“Pat was the outstanding candidate in our search for a new Head Coach and impressed the board with his coaching ability, experience and enthusiasm for the task ahead. We’re very pleased to appoint an individual of his quality.”
“The board has been patient in our approach to ensure we have the right man to take this Club forward in the long term. Pat has transformed a Connacht team into Pro12 champions and we believe he can build a squad, a culture and an environment that can be successful in the Aviva Premiership.”
“Mark Tainton and the existing coaching set-up will continue in their roles with the target of securing our Aviva Premiership survival. They have done an excellent job so far in instilling some real fight and positivity into the players and we are confident that Mark has the ability to keep Bristol in the top flight.”
Bristol have been in search of a new head coach since they sacked former England player and manager, Andy Robinson, at the beginning of November after the club decided that they “lost confidence” in his ability keep the club from being relegated to the second tier of English professional rugby.
Many names had been linked with the vacant position and it was thought in some circles that former England player and current pundit, Will Greenwood, was one of the favourites to land the job.
Lam released the following statement aimed at his new club:
“I’m excited about the opportunity to coach and lead Bristol Rugby – a proud club with history, tradition and a bright future ahead. What appeals to me most after speaking to Steve Lansdown and Chris Booy is their passion, vision and long term commitment to inspire fellow Bristolians worldwide through rugby success on and off the field.
“As with my decision to help Connacht Rugby four years ago, my coaching philosophy is very much aligned to assisting them in making Bristol Rugby a club where the Bristol community can be inspired and Bristol players have a genuine pathway to represent England by the quality of our rugby programme.
“I’m committed to Bristol irrespective as to what happens in the short-term – everything is in place for the club to be a force in the future and I’m honoured to be invited to join the journey.”
We expect there will be some fallout in Irish rugby circles as a result of this decision.
Already current Connacht players have expressed their shock and disappointment with this morning’s news.
Fan favourite, Bundee Aki, tweeted that he is “feeling pissed” with the news of Lam’s departure.
We also wonder were recent high profile player contract renewals were agreed on the basis that Lam’s short to medium term future would be in Galway.
Not happy https://t.co/nqLbB55qwE
— SportsJOE (@SportsJOEdotie) December 5, 2016
Whatever the true reasons are surrounding Lam’s departure, we expect this will leave a bitter taste in the mouths of Connacht fans.
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