New three-year Irish deal for Lam
Pat Lam has signed a new three-year deal with Connacht and the Irish Football Union to remain in the position of head coach until at least 2018.
Connacht CEO Willie Ruane spoke of the value and impact the Samoan international had.
Lam – who previously coached Auckland, the Blues, in Scotland and Samoa – also played one Test for the All Blacks.
"When I started as CEO, it was very clear the impact that Pat has had on the squad of players but also the organisation as a whole," Ruane said.
"Pat came in and immediately picked up where Eric [Elwood] left off in building on the good work that had been done.
"He has instilled a real culture of belief amongst the senior team and that has had a big effect on the rest of the organisation as well.
"Pat certainly sees the bigger picture and the role of Connacht within the community.
"This is particularly evident when the senior team go out to visit all the different clubs around the province as part of our community programme. To have someone who is so aligned with our vision is invaluable.
"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."
Pat Lam said: "Both Steph and I are delighted that our family will be staying in Galway and with Connacht. 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 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.
"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."
