Bristol Bears have signed Pat Lam to a new four-year contract to remain at Ashton Gate until 2023.
The head coach will be promoted to the club’s director of rugby role having led the team to a ninth-place finish in their first season back in the Premiership after winning the Championship.
A PRO14 title-winning coach with Connacht, Lam revealed it was a simple choice when the Bears made their intentions clear over an extension.
“I’m proud to commit my future to Bristol and it was an easy decision to make,” Lam told the club’s official website.
“We’ve set out a plan to bring a Premiership trophy to Ashton Gate and we’re at the start of that journey.
“It’s been an incredible two years so far in the city. It’s amazing what can be achieved when you have a clear vision and you approach challenges with strong belief and a positive mindset.
“We have absolute confidence that we will achieve our team goals as Steve Lansdown (owner), Jon Lansdown (vice-chairman) and Chris Booy (chairman) continue to drive that vision.
“Although my title changes to director of rugby, my passion and enjoyment for hands-on coaching remains stronger than ever. I will be in a tracksuit on the field as long as I can still walk!
“We are striving for the Bristol Bears to be world class at everything we do, so it’s my responsibility to ensure every department fulfils that expectation.”
Pat steered Bristol to the best finish by a promoted club in the Premiership since Harlequins came seventh in 2006-07.
Nurturing the talents of Callum Sheedy and Harry Randall, while also getting Jordan Crane to produce arguably the best rugby of his career, Lam said from the outset that the club should be aiming for Champions Cup rugby.
That appears to be the case again in 2020 with the signings of England internationals Nathan Hughes and Dave Attwood.
New arrivals in a grand scheme by Lansdown to grow the Bears globally.
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