Bristol Bears head coach Pat Lam has signed a new long-term contract to become director of rugby at the club.
Former Newcastle, Northampton and Samoa back row Lam, 50, will remain at Ashton Gate on a deal until 2023.
He first joined the club in 2017 on a mega annual salary of €750,000 (661,747) and it’s thought his new wage is close to the £800,000 mark, according to RUCK sources.
This makes him possibly the highest paid coach in the world with second-place Eddie Jones earning near £750,000 annually.
Bears finished in an impressive ninth place in the Premiership this season, just five points off the top four and a place in the European Champions Cup.