These Astonishing Champions Cup Stats Show Just How Much Connacht Will Miss Pat Lam

Connacht Rugby learned earlier this month that their head coach would be departing at the end of the season.

Lam had another year to run on the contract he signed in 2015, but came to an agreement with Connacht to leave at the end of the season, 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 Director of Rugby next season, in the wake of Andy Robinson’s sacking.

Lam has been praised for his time with the province, bringing them from bottom tier strugglers, to unlikely PRO12 champions last season. Lam’s innovative brand of attacking rugby has been a joy to watch and has rejuvenated the western province.

His side currently sit second in their Champions Cup pool heading into this weekend’s return clash with Wasps. The Premiership side came away with the spoils in Coventry but Connacht were no pushovers and will no doubt fancy their chances in Galway.

Connacht have won two from three going into the game, grabbing thirteen tries along the way. They have also made the most carries (445), clean breaks (55) and metres (2,024) to date in the entire Champions Cup.

Lam’s unique attacking style has become Connacht’s strongest asset, with player’s like Leinster recruit Cian Kelleher flourishing under his regime, with the winger featuring near the top of the Champions Cup Round 3 charts in carries (38), metres gained (288), clean breaks (7) and defenders beaten (15).

Can Connacht pull off another famous win this weekend? We wouldn’t bet against it.