Watch: An Emotional Pat Lam Explains His Reasoning For Leaving Connacht

Connacht fans were left shocked this week by the announcement that Pat Lam would be leaving the Sportsground at the end of the season.

The Kiwi had another year to run on the contract he signed in 2015, but has come to an agreement with Connacht to leave and has described the decision as “one of the most difficult I’ve had to make in my life”

Aviva Premiership strugglers Bristol revealed shortly after the shocking announcement that the former Samoa captain would be taking over as their new head coach next season. Lam has now explained his reasoning behind accepting in an emotional interview today.

The 48-year-old also revealed that he had turned down an initial offer from Bristol and was set to remain at Connacht until the Premiership’s strugglers cam back with an improved deal. At the end of the day he had to do what was right by his family.

“I’m never about the money. This decision was about my family. I arrived here as a sacked coach. This my reality.”

You can watch some of the press conference below. You can really see how much Connacht and the West of Ireland means to Lam, but Family always comes first.