Lam and Lancaster set to unite at Bristol

PAT LAM looks set to be offered the chance to work alongside Stuart Lancaster in a new-look coaching structure at Bristol.

The former All Black No.8 led Connacht to their first ever PRO12 title last season, but sources tell me he has been offered the Bristol job.

He is due to be under contract with Connacht until 2018 but has various clauses which allow him to leave Galway if another job comes along.

Lam, 48, was linked with Bath in the summer before Todd Blackadder was appointed and it’s been suggested that Saints could be interested if they part company with head coach Jim Mallinder.

But I understand Lam has been offered the chance to move to Ashton Gate from the start of next season – indicating the club are resigned to making a return to the Championship after only one season in the top flight.

That would see Mark Tainton, who stepped up to head coach after the sacking of Andy Robinson, remaining in charge until the end of the season.

Bristol owner Steve Lansdown is believed to favour the structure that he has at Bristol City where a chief operating officer works alongside a head coach.

Lam could work alongside former England coach Lancaster, now at Leinster, who is the front runner for the chief operating officer role at the club. ■WORCESTER are believed to be interested in Leicester Tigers hooker Harry Thacker, despite him still being under contract for next season.

It has been suggested that the 22-year-old former England U20 international is keen for more regular starting time.

Thacker, right, is one of four hookers at his home town club and has to compete with Tom Youngs, Greg Bateman and George McGuigan, who signed from Newcastle.