Connacht: Pat Lam signs new three-year deal as coach
Last updated on .From the section Rugby Union
Pat Lam will continue as Connacht coach until at least 2018 after signing a new three-year contract on Wednesday.
The former Samoa captain, who won the Heineken Cup with Northampton and coached Auckland Blues, succeeded Eric Elwood at the Pro12 club in 2013.
Lam said: "I'm thrilled I will be with Connacht for another 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."
Lam won 24 caps for Samoa as a back-row forward and he also played for Auckland, North Harbour and Crusaders before moving to England.
He spent three years with Northampton, where he won the Heineken Cup in 2000, before switching to Newcastle.
The 46-year-old was involved as a consultant with Scotland and Samoa before his move to Ireland.
Lam has overseen an improvement in Connacht's fortunes with the Sportsground side sixth in the Pro12 standings.
"Both Steph and I are delighted that our family will be staying in Galway and with Connacht Rugby," added Lam.
"We are blessed to be living in a very special place, meeting and making new friendships along the way.
"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."
