Lam’s Plan: What happens to Connacht now?

He left a lasting mark on Connacht. Now Pat Lam wants to shake up Irish rugby before he leaves for Bristol

Pat Lam says it’s always satisfying to watch the transformation of young rugby players to wiser, and slightly older, men Picture: Inpho

The echo of the full-time whistle had faded into the night and the floodlights around the Sportsground were starting to dim, but still Pat Lam could not leave.

In what had most likely been his final home game in charge before he moves to Bristol, Connacht had been soundly beaten 8-30 by the Scarlets, and the defence of their miraculous Pro12 title had limped another step closer to a disappointing end.

Despite the ...