‘It’s an absolute honour to continue at Bristol’

Premiership and secured their first major silverware since 1983 with a European Challenge Cup final win over French side Toulon.

Last term, the Bears recorded their highest-ever regular-season position, topping the table and making the Champions Cup knockout stages, while Lam was awarded Global Reach Director of Rugby of the Year.

Bristol chairman Chris Booy, seen right with Lam, added: “We’re delighted to have secured Pat’s signature on a long-term contract.

“It’s no surprise he would have the interest of every top club in the world, so it’s testament to the ambition of the Bears that Pat was eager to stay. We are absolutely aligned on the direction of the club. Bristol Bears will continue to grow and we will achieve sustainable success at the top of the domestic and European game.

“Pat has built a squad of humble young men who not only represent our community superbly, they play an innovative brand of rugby that has everybody taking notice.”

Lam himself said: “It’s an absolute honour to continue as director of rugby at Bristol Bears. To have the opportunity to work with a great group of people, and to represent our community with pride and love is very special. I am grateful to have the continued support of Steve, Jon (Lansdown) and Chris and I’m thankful that they have entrusted me to keep leading the Bristol Bears along our journey of Inspiring Our Community Through Rugby Success.

“While we have come a long way in the last four years, I am really excited by what is still to come as we challenge all of us individually and collectively to raise the bar every single day.

“I genuinely believe that now we have our men, women and Academy (teams) aligned as one club, we are poised to bring a lot of inspiration and success, on and off the field, for many years ahead and I feel very humbled to be a part of it.”