Bristol Bears have announced that Pat Lam has signed a long-term contract extension at Ashton Gate, which sees him become director of rugby.
The inspirational leader, who has overseen Bristol’s transformation into one of the most exciting teams in the country, agrees a deal until 2023.\
Lam, whose title now becomes director of rugby, led the club to a ninth placed finish in the Premiership – the highest points total for a promoted side since 2007.
🤝 Inspiring our community
— Bristol Bears (@BristolBears) May 22, 2019
🏉 Running rugby
👶 Young talent
🏆 Trophy ambitions
How about 4⃣ more years of Pat Lam? ✍️ pic.twitter.com/UaX6ssOQe4
In his first season at the helm, the 50 year-old clinched the Championship title, winning a club record 16 successive fixtures in the process.
Bears owner Stephen Lansdown commented: “Pat Lam has reinvigorated this club and given us a clear purpose and direction for the future. He has created an environment and team spirit that the whole city has bought into.
“From the dynamic brand of rugby, to the huge self-belief he has created in the squad, Pat has made the rugby world take notice of what is happening at Ashton Gate. Equally as important, his focus on serving the local community and making a difference off the field has been inspirational
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“Myself, Chris Booy and the board are hungry to see Bristol competing at the very top of the domestic and European competition. Under Pat’s leadership, that ambition can become a reality. We’re excited about the journey ahead over the next four years.”
Since establishing a club vision, ‘To Inspire the Community Through Rugby Success’ in the summer of 2017, Lam and his trusted management team has built a squad brimming with world class internationals and young English talent – and the best is still to come.