Connacht dropped a bombshell this morning: despite signing a three-year contract extension in January of last year, Pat Lam is leaving Connacht at the end of the season. Connacht confirmed the shock news in a statement on Monday morning, saying that Lam is leaving to assume a coaching role elsewhere.
That role has been confirmed as the Head Coach of Bristol Rugby in England. The Premiership club released a statement a few moments ago:
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.
Heyneke Meyer was seen as the frontrunner for the job, but it has gone to Lam, whose nephew Jack is the captain. Bristol are likely to be relegated to the Championship this season, however, as they are currently on a hideous run of 14 straight defeats.
It is startling news, and Bundee Aki - who himself signed a contract extension with Connacht just five weeks ago - tweeted his displeasure immediately:
Naturally, Irish rugby has been left reeling:
Pat Lam leaving @connachtrugby at the end of the season. Balls.
— Nathan Murphy (@nathanmurf) December 5, 2016
Tremendous signing for Bristol https://t.co/7AOnRn5QwD
— Alastair Eykyn (@alastaireykyn) December 5, 2016
Pat Lam to leave Connacht at the end of the season, huge blow for the province
— Rúaidhrí O'Connor (@RuaidhriOC) December 5, 2016
Bristol the destination for Lam. Step down, but big bucks & potential in the west country. Had spoken to Northampton Saints too
— Rúaidhrí O'Connor (@RuaidhriOC) December 5, 2016
Pat Lam's greatest legacy will not be what he and province have achieved but how further @connachtrugby can grow after he leaves.
— david kelly (@dk3lly) December 5, 2016
Maybe time for an Irishman abroad to take over at Connacht. Jackman, O'Gara, McCall...
— Gavin Cummiskey (@Cumoski) December 5, 2016
Let Lam's legacy be the recognition that skillful and creative rugby need not be the exception, and that "Cup Rugby" should NEVER be played
— Whiff of Cordite (@WhiffofCordite) December 5, 2016
Pat Lam off to Bristol next season. Very sad news for Connacht & Irish rugby in general. @connachtrugby have been a revelation under Lam.
— Eamonn ☘️ 🐺 (@Eamonn_75) December 5, 2016
Gutted that Pat Lam is leaving @connachtrugby. Hoping for a lasting legacy starting this weekend in Coventry.
— Eoin Tonge (@eointonge) December 5, 2016
Eyes will turn now as to the identity of his successor...
