Pat Lam eyes golden era for Connacht rugby after famous win

Connacht coach Pat Lam has challenged his side to make their Guinness PRO12 triumph the start of a golden era in Galway.

Pat Lam eyes golden era for Connacht rugby after famous win

Connacht coach Pat Lam has challenged his side to make their Guinness PRO12 triumph the start of a golden era in Galway.

The Devil's Own clinched their first major trophy as they put on a daring display to beat Leinster 20-10 at Murrayfield.

The victory put the seal on a remarkable season during which Connacht tossed aside their traditional tag of being Ireland's underdogs as they were transformed by Lam's ultra-attacking philosophy.

But now the Samoan wants to make Saturday's win the first step on the road to sustained success.

"True success doesn't rely on trophies because only one team takes the trophy home," he said.

If you can’t see this Facebook post, click here.

"We've won it this time and it's fantastic for everyone but we've got a plan and we have to keep going.

"We're back on June 30 for pre-season and I've already set the goals for next year. We've got to defend this title and go back-to-back. It's realistic for us to win this PRO12 again.

"The second aim is to get into the knock-out stages of the Champions Cup. I'll put that out there because come June 30 we start the work again.

"We know what we're building. That's the key, to set goals and work every day to achieve that."

Leinster were chasing their third title in four years but ended up being stunned when Connacht's Tiernan O'Halloran and Niyi Adeolokun struck before half-time, with Matt Healy crossing over after the break.

Sean Cronin pulled a try back deep into the second period for the Blues but it was far too little, far too late.

That left it to delighted Connacht skipper John Muldoon to take his place in the history books as he hoisted the trophy aloft in front of almost 35,000 fans in Edinburgh.

And even deflated Leinster captain Jamie Heaslip could not deny the victors deserved their fairytale ending.

He said: "I don't think we were the big bad wolf. I thought they were favourites coming in because they were going well all season. They were the pace-setters, the highest try-scoring team.

"They are a tough side to defend against. The punish you in all sorts of different ways and a very good defensive side as well.

"The better side won and there's not a whole lot more that I can say. All credit to Connacht, though, they were very good all season."

more courts articles

Stephen Bear ordered to pay back profits from sharing private sex tape Stephen Bear ordered to pay back profits from sharing private sex tape
Gary Glitter victim seeking six-figure sum in damages, court told Gary Glitter victim seeking six-figure sum in damages, court told
Man (25) in court charged with murdering his father and attempted murder of mother Man (25) in court charged with murdering his father and attempted murder of mother

More in this section

Joe McCarthy 25/3/2024 Cullen names raft of international returnees in side to face Bulls
Jake White during the warm-up 23/3/2024 Jake White: 'I'll keep coaching as long as I love it'
Louis Rees-Zammit file photo Louis Rees-Zammit reportedly signs for Super Bowl champions Kansas City Chiefs
Sport Push Notifications

By clicking on 'Sign Up' you will be the first to know about our latest and best sporting content on this browser.

Sign Up
Sport
Newsletter

Latest news from the world of sport, along with the best in opinion from our outstanding team of sports writers

Sign up
Cookie Policy Privacy Policy Brand Safety FAQ Help Contact Us Terms and Conditions

© Examiner Echo Group Limited