Wednesday 21 January 2015 19:15, UK
Connacht have confirmed head coach Pat Lam has signed a three-year extension to his contract.
The former Samoa captain, 46, took over at Galway Sportsgrounds ahead of the 2013/2014 season and oversaw a shock European victory over giants Toulouse during a first season in charge that saw Connacht finish 10th in the Pro12.
Lam told the club's website: "Both Steph and I are delighted that our family will be staying in Galway and with Connacht Rugby. We are blessed to be living in a very special place, meeting and making new friendships along the way.
“I am thrilled that I will be with Connacht Rugby for a further three years as we strive towards achieving great things. We have a vision here to be ‘world class’ in everything we do so we can grow and promote the game out West and ensure everyone involved has the best opportunity to achieve their goals.
I am thrilled that I will be with Connacht Rugby for a further three years as we strive towards achieving great things. We have a vision here to be ‘world class’ in everything we do.
"We believe that we are certainly on the right track with all the good work that has been done over the years by many people. To be a part of it is very exciting.”
Connacht CEO Willie Ruane said: "We are all delighted that Pat will be staying on as head coach for the next three years. As a coach, he has added real value to our professional rugby set up.
"He shows massive faith in our young players emerging from the Academy and is constantly striving to improve these young men so that they can go on to achieve their own goals of playing at the top level for both Connacht and Ireland.
"He has also been instrumental in attracting major overseas players here and with players committing their futures to the club it just reaffirms their commitment and belief in what we are doing here."
