Bristol pay differentials won’t cause disharmony says Lam
BRISTOL supremo Pat Lam insists that motivation will prove no issue for his bigmoney stars, who face a year stuck in the Championship before being able to fulfil their top-flight dreams.
New Zealand back row Steven Luatua has joined Lam’s squad on a reported salary of £650,000, while other top internationals such as ex-Wallabies wing Luke Morahan, Ireland playmaker Ian Madigan,
and Samoa centre Alapati Leiua face unglamorous trips to Rotherham and Ealing. However, Lam told The
Rugby Paper: “Take away money, all these guys want to play rugby to the best of their ability and our rugby programme will ensure they do that. There’s lot of competition and regardless of who people are, they’ll have to perform if they want to play.
“Motivation will not be an issue and they’re all looking forward to this season because they haven’t been to some of the places. When I first arrived at Newcastle we were down in the old First Division and I viewed it as a great chance to visit areas you don’t normally go to.” With Bristol having fought off a number of topflight clubs to secure the signature of another All Blacks star, Charles Piutau, for season 2018-19, Lam has also knocked back suggestions that his reputed £750,000 annual salary might create disharmony within the camp. He said: “I know from my playing days that no one is paid exactly the same. “Everybody is paid differently but, ultimately, it comes down to guys wanting to play with the best. Players want to win things and achieve personal goals, so the guys already here would much rather have Steven Luatua and Charles Piutau playing for Bristol than them playing for Saracens, Leicester or Wasps. Boys understand that’s the game we’re in.”
Lam insists Bristol’s spending spree is not over, adding: “Recruitment is ongoing, but there’s a plan.
“A lot of names come over my desk around options, but we have a process in place to ensure we get the right people to fit our ambitions going forward because we want to be competing at the top end of the Premiership and European competitions.”