Pat Lam committed to Bristol irrespective of short-term results
Monday 5 December 2016 14:03, UK
Pat Lam joins Bristol as head coach in June and has reinforced his commitment to the West Country side "irrespective as to what happens in the short-term".
Bristol have lost all 10 Premiership matches this season and face an uphill battle to retain their place in England's top flight domestic competition.
Lam has already insisted he remains unfazed by the prospect of joining a side that may be playing Championship rugby next season:
"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," said Lam.
"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 [owner] Steve Lansdown and [chairman] Chris Booy is their passion, vision and long-term commitment to inspire fellow Bristolians worldwide through rugby success on and off the field."
Booy has hailed Lam's appointment as a real coup for the ambitious club, and one aimed at the long-term.
"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," said Booy.
"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 will remain in his role of acting head coach for the remainder of the season, with Booy refusing to give up Bristol's Premiership survival fight.
"Mark Tainton and the existing coaching set-up will continue in their roles with the target of securing our Aviva Premiership survival," said Booy.
"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."
