Bookies Favourite Emerges For Connacht Job
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Connacht fans were left shocked yesterday morning 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 shortly after the shocking announcement revealed that they would be his next destination. Lam was tempted away by a “significant and compelling” offer from Bristol but Connacht already have a list of replacements drawn according to the chairman of the rugby advisory board at Connacht, Conor McGuinness.
Lam has been praised for the attacking brand of rugby he has brought to Connacht over the last few years, leading them to their first trophy last year with a remarkable triumph in the PRO12, but who would be a good candidate to succeed him?
According to Paddy Power, there’s already a clear favourite for the role with former Connacht hooker and current Grenoble coach, Bernard Jackman in pole position at 5-1 to take over from the Samoan. Just behind him at 8-1 is Glasgow Assistant Coach Dan McFarland, with Eddie O’Sullivan at 12-1 in third. Stuart Lancaster (16-1) and Eric Elwood (20-1) round up the top five candidates.