Connacht Rugby’s Pat Lam Earns Honorary Degree

New Zealander Pat Lam, head coach of Connacht Rugby, and former rugby international has received an honorary degree from NUI Galway for his achievements, which have significantly enriched both Connacht and the wider community.

Lam joined Irish sporting luminaries including the late Christy O’Connor Snr and Jr, and Mick Loftus, in being recognised with an honorary degree by the University.

Auckland-born Lam, 48, is a rugby union coach who in May, led Connacht Rugby to their first championship win and first trophy in 131 years by winning the Guinness PRO12. Of Samoan descent, he was previously an international player representing New Zealand and Samoa as well as playing in the English Premiership.

President of NUI Galway Dr Jim Browne said: “Earlier this year, NUI Galway offered its heartiest congratulations to Pat Lam, his heroic players and committed backroom team on their massive win in the Rugby PRO12 Final. We are delighted to now formally recognise the contribution of Pat Lam with an honorary doctorate as members and former members of his squad and from the Rugby Academy also graduate.

“Their performance over the past season made the University, the province – and indeed the nation – proud and has set hearts racing across Connacht. NUI Galway is fortunate to be associated with many outstanding honorary graduates throughout its history and we are very pleased to be in a position to recognise this major sporting achievement.”

Lam’s first managerial position was as an assistant coach to Scotland at the 2003 Rugby World Cup.

Original article by Galway Advertiser, October 13, 2016.