Lam hopes to curry favour in Wales after praising our starlets

THE boss of English Premiership high-fliers Bristol has revealed he would love to coach Wales, believing Wayne Pivac’s side have genuine credentials to become future world champions.

Samoan legend Pat Lam is earning himself a growing reputation as one of the games foremost thinkers, leading unfancied Connacht to the 2016 PRO12 title when they beat Leinster in the play-off final.

Lam has also earned huge acclaim for the swashbuckling style he’s instilled at Bristol Bears, turning the West Country outfit into a formidable force in the Gallagher Premiership.

Lam has accrued a knowledge of Welsh rugby through having former international back-rower Jonathan Thomas as part of his coaching team at Ashton Gate, as well as impressive players like Dan Thomas, Callum Sheedy and Ioan Lloyd in his first-team squad.

He likens Wales to his native New Zealand in their ability to produce natural rugby players and revealed he would dearly love to coach the men in red one day.

Speaking to the Scrum V podcast on the BBC, Lam said: “I’m amazed with the ability of Welsh rugby players. There’s lots of young players coming through with quality skills.

“I’m not advertising or trying to get a job but I would love to coach the Welsh rugby team.

“I’ve honest respect for what Warren Gatland did and believed in. I honestly believe Wales can win a World Cup, if they play the right game. That’s why there’s a lot of hope with Wayne Pivac and the style he wants to do.

“He’s got to make sure he’s got the style that can send Wales to another level, given the right time.

“It’s the style they can play. With certain guys it’s more difficult and more work, but they can take their game to another level I believe.

“I always say you have to have a game to beat anybody in the world, but you need the players to play, and have the staff to get the players to play it, and grow their skills.

“When you look at New Zealand they start from a better place with their natural ability and that’s the same way I think about Wales.

“If you get the right game you’ve got to be thinking about being number one in the world.

“Wales should have that genuine goal. There’s no reason whatsoever and that starts with mindset and belief. You’ve got to start talking that way, you’ve got to start training and behaving that way and that increases the chances.

“Eddie Jones has been trying to do that with England and he’s succeeded in taking it to another level.”

Lam has already given Wales a helping hand by unleashing teenage talent Lloyd onto the Premiership stage despite the Welsh Under20s ace being in the first year of an academy contract.

Lloyd has had a meteoric rise through the Bristol ranks to the extent Irish international No.10 Ian Madigan was often playing second string rugby. And Lam predicts Lloyd’s progression in the West Country will see him wearing the No.10 jersey for Wales at the 2023 Rugby World Cup in France.

Asked if he believed he would be the starting 10 for Wales at the 2023 World Cup, Lam said: “He’ll be there.

“He’ll challenge Callum Sheedy this year and it’s just time in the saddle.

“Last year was just about giving him a taste but the work and attitude, I’m seeing I’m pleased with him. A year down the track he’ll grow, and though nothing is guaranteed, that’s my prediction.

“He knows that I’ve got big plans for him but ultimately it’s over to him to achieve it with hard work.

“He’s got an unbelievable talent and an understanding.

“If you’re around Ioan, it’s going to be the same with Semi Radradra, you’ve got to expect the ball is going to come from anywhere and be ready for it.”