Time to get excited, Connacht fans.
Pat Lam’s departure for Bristol could have ripped the guts out of the defending PRO12 champions, but the province have regrouped and Monday’s appointment should be the key to a rosy future.
Kieran Keane has been appointed as head coach.
Kieran Keane is the backs coach at the Chiefs.
The Chiefs play like this.
The Kiwi with the Irish sounding name is leaving the free-running Chiefs to replace Lam at the Sportsground, the franchise confirmed on their Facebook page.
Keane will join after the conclusion of the 2017 Super Rugby season.
“Everyone has to weigh up their future in this game and coaches are no exception. When one door closes another door opens. I have aspirations to return to head coaching and Connacht have afforded me the opportunity to realise this aspiration. Connacht is a good fit for me as they have ambition and I like the passion of the community and the warmth of the people.
“My time in New Zealand rugby is done after 36 consecutive years of coaching at all levels which I am proud of. It has been stimulating and rewarding and I have made some wonderful friends and colleagues throughout this time, I am so much richer for having made their acquaintance” said Keane.
Lam worked out well, so fans will be excited to see what the former All Black can do.
