Connacht have announced the departure of head coach Pat Lam at the end of the season.
Connacht have announced the departure of head coach Pat Lam at the end of the season.
Lam is leaving the club to take up a new role as head coach of English Premiership side Bristol next summer.
The New Zealand native is in his fourth year at Connacht and famously lead them to their first Guinness Pro 12 title last season.
Lam has described the decision to leave as "one of the most difficult I’ve had to make in my life" but says he is proud to pass on the baton knowing that Connacht "is truly seen as one of four strong provinces of Irish rugby."
Connacht CEO Willie Ruane has paid tribute to Lam and says they "remain extremely confident and excited about the future."
He also confirmed that they will begin talks with the IRFU immediately to start the process of recruiting Lam's replacement.
Connacht have made a shaky start to the defence of their Pro 12 crown and currently sit in 8th place, but they lead their pool in the European Champions Cup.
Bristol are bottom of the English Premiership, without a win from 10 matches.
