Monday 5 December 2016 14:38, UK
Connacht boss Pat Lam will join Bristol as their new head coach in June, the Aviva Premiership club has announced.
The former Samoa flanker led Connacht to their maiden Guinness PRO12 title in 2016 in one of rugby's greatest fairytales.
Acting head coach Mark Tainton will remain at Ashton Gate and work under Lam, who replaces Andy Robinson.
Former England and Scotland boss Robinson was sacked as Bristol's director of rugby in November after a winless start in the Aviva Premiership.
Lam said: "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."
Connacht CEO Willie Ruane added: "Firstly I'd like to thank Pat for everything he has done for Connacht Rugby. He led the province to a first-ever trophy and that will be something that will live long in the memory. While there is a lot of rugby yet to be played this season, we wish Pat, Steph and their family the very best in the next chapter of their lives.
"Connacht Rugby has made a huge amount of progress over the last number of years, with Pat building on the great work of those who went before him and we remain extremely confident and excited about the future."
Bristol chairman Chris Booy said: "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."
