Brilliant that Padraig is coming to us early, get to see the squad and talk about talent coming through. Goes to show that EE just wants a break next year, what a true gent and great Connacht man, always doing what he deems best for the team. Legend.

Sean holly appointed as backs coach with scarlets for the 6 N period,

Guess he just wanted to stay in Wales

I knew this from way back but good to hear that he's involved in recruitment even as we speak. I'm sure EE will be a huge help to him in making it a smooth transition and it will help Lam make his own mind up on players he wants to keep or cut loose.

Link here
www.connachtrugby.ie/2013011883172/lam-to-join-connacht-early

Thats great news, shows Lams willingness to get stuck into the job straight away.

Lam to join Connacht early

Pat Lam will join Connacht Rugby in April to work alongside current Head Coach Eric Elwood for the remainder of the season.

The newly appointed 44 year old will arrive in time to be involved with Connacht’s final three games of the current campaign before he assumes full control as the new Head Coach on June 1st.

Chief Executive Tom Sears said: "Pat’s early arrival will ensure that there is an opportunity for him to work alongside Eric and the coaching staff, get to know the players and facilitate an effective handover and transition. It will also mean that he can begin planning the crucial pre-season period and make the best possible start next season.

‘Already Pat is being involved in discussions regarding player recruitment and planning for next season and beyond and we are making good progress on that front.

"It’s important to note that Eric is fully supportive of Pat’s early arrival and looking forward to working with him."

Pat Lam said: ‘I’m delighted to be able to get to Connacht early, spend some time with Eric, the coaching staff and the players before the season finishes and start looking ahead to next season.’

Finally we can move on now from this EOS sh##te!!!

Here here.

P.S. I heard that Lam might take over for the last three games. It says it in the I.T. to have a smooth transition or something to that effect.

Finally we can move on now from this EOS sh##te!!! I'm already looking forward to next season to see what pat will bring to the team. Even though I wanted King for the job I had pat as a close second ONWARD & UPWARD

Darragh507 wrote: That flute vincent hogan had a nasty piece in todays indo.


Needs to be taken down a few pegs......

Poison from the Indo? Must be doing something right....

That flute vincent hogan had a nasty piece in todays indo.


Needs to be taken down a few pegs......

Lam confirmed on a 2 year deal with option to extend, Eric's staying on for the rest of the season. I'm very happy with this, wonder how much longer we'll have to listen to people talking about fast Eddie...

They're all set at RFU HQ/Marriot Hotel for Connacht Brunch and we hope the new coach announcement in the morning.....

I'm not so sure. The day of Munster being realistic contenders for the Heineken Cup year in year out is gone for a few years at least so they can hardly afford to look down their nose at the Challenge Cup. If they do end up in the Amlin I'd imagine they'd go for it.

In general they are a young team and I'm sure they want some silverware as I don't think they'll win the Rabo this year.

Anyway its all hypothetical at the moment I suppose.

Borders no.2 wrote: Alternatively Munster could be an Amlin candidate if they miss out on the HC q/f.

If I remember correctly Munster's approach to the Amlin a few years ago was nothing short of disgraceful. We're relying on Leinster again, realistically.

I'd disagree I'd say we have a reasonable chance of being in the Heineken next season. If Leinster miss out on the Heineken I'm sure they'll want to win the Amlin especially as the final is in the RDS. Alternatively Munster could be an Amlin candidate if they miss out on the HC q/f.

i think its a fair point re heineken as it stands.
this round will tell a lot re qualification for leinster and munster but either or both in the amlin qtr with final in rds would put hec qualification firmly back on table for connacht.

imo toner will be 5th choice behind macca, roux, cullen, denton. browne prob 6th choice so it depends on whether they want to play oe not.
i dont think cronin is happy at being 2nd choice. it really depends on how unhappy he is and what kidneys opinion was.

stringer- it depends on the offer and if he wants to play on. i think he does.

carr- needs to play whether its here or elsewhere. he wont where he is.

madigan- goin nowhere.

conway- in similar position to carr wjen he first left leinster.

ruddock- ditto.