Aviva Premiership news: Bristol announce Pat Lam will become head coach next summer

Pat Lam will become Bristol's new head coach next summer.

The former Samoa flanker is currently in charge at Connaught, who he led to their maiden Guinness PRO12 title in 2016, but he is set to move to England at the end of the current campaign.

Lam will replace former England and Scotland boss Andy Robinson, who was sacked as Bristol's director of rugby in November after a winless start in the Aviva Premiership.

His first task is likely to be trying to guide Bristol back to the Premiership. The west country club remain favourites for relegation this season having lost all ten top-flight matches so far.

But the 48-year-old has already insisted he will still join Bristol even if his new club have dropped down to the Championship by the time he arrives.

"I'm committed to Bristol irrespective as to what happens in the short term. Eerything is in place for the club to be a force in the future and I'm honoured to be invited to join the journey," said Lam.

"I'm excited about the opportunity to coach and lead Bristol Rugby - a proud club with history, tradition and a bright future ahead.

"What appeals to me most after speaking to [owner] Steve Lansdown and [chairman] Chris Booy is their passion, vision and long-term commitment to inspire fellow Bristolians worldwide through rugby success on and off the field.

"As with my decision to help Connacht Rugby four years ago, my coaching philosophy is very much aligned to assisting them in making Bristol Rugby a club where the Bristol community can be inspired and Bristol players have a genuine pathway to represent England by the quality of our rugby programme.

"This has been one of the most difficult decisions I've had to make in my life as Connacht and Galway is such a special place for myself and my family."

Bristol chairman Booy has hailed Lam's appointment as a real coup for the ambitious club, and one aimed at the long term.

"Pat was the outstanding candidate in our search for a new head coach and impressed the board with his coaching ability, experience and enthusiasm for the task ahead," he said.

"We're very pleased to appoint an individual of his quality. The board has been patient in our approach to ensure we have the right man to take this club forward in the long term.

"Pat has transformed a Connacht team into Pro12 champions and we believe he can build a squad, a culture and an environment that can be successful in the Aviva Premiership."

Mark Tainton will remain in his role of acting head coach for the remainder of the season.