We’ll see you again, Pat

PAT LAM is saying farewell to his time as Connacht coach. Unless, of course, things don’t work out so brilliantly for him in Bristol, and he comes back!

Such has been his success these last few years that Lam would be a quick decision if any of the top jobs in Irish rugby become available in the future. He excelled out west. Not only did he build a team capable of winning the Pro12, he transformed a way of thinking and ambition forever. At a time, regrettably, when Irish rugby remains dependent upon too many foreign coaches, it’s still with a heavyheart that we say goodbye and good luck to the Samoan.

He has made lifelong friends in the game here and, if and when the time comes to search for a successor to Joe Schmidt as national coach, Lam’s name will be close to the top of every list.