Connacht have signed coach Pat Lam up to a further three-year deal that will see the popular New Zealander extend his stay with the province until the summer of 2018 at least.

The 46-year-old has proved a great success since taking over from Eric Elwood at the start of the 2013-14 season, with Connacht presently in sixth position in the Guinness Pro12 table as they search to qualify for the Champions Cup.

Lam admitted that he and his family have found living in Galway a huge draw of the job, while stating his ambitions for the future of Connacht.

“Both Steph and I are delighted that our family will be staying in Galway and with Connacht Rugby. We are blessed to be living in a very special place, meeting and making new friendships along the way.

“I am thrilled that I will be with Connacht Rugby for a further three years as we strive towards achieving great things. We have a vision here to be ‘world class’ in everything we do so we can grow and promote the game out West and ensure everyone involved has the best opportunity to achieve their goals.

“We believe that we are certainly on the right track with all the good work that has been done over the years by many people. To be a part of it is very exciting.”

Connacht chief executive Willie Ruane pointed to the impact that Lam has made so far in his time at the province.

“When I started as CEO, it was very clear the impact that Pat has had on the squad of players but also the organisation as a whole. Pat came in and immediately picked up where Eric (Elwood) left off in building on the good work that had been done. He has instilled a real culture of belief amongst the senior team and that has had a big effect on the rest of the organisation as well.

“We are all delighted that Pat will be staying on as head coach for the next three years. As a coach, he has added real value to our professional rugby set up. He shows massive faith in our young players emerging from the Academy and is constantly striving to improve these young men so that they can go on to achieve their own goals of playing at the top level for both Connacht and Ireland.

“He has also been instrumental in attracting major overseas players here and with players committing their futures to the club it just reaffirms their commitment and belief in what we are doing here.”