The former Auckland Blues man is already half way through his second season on his current two-year-deal.

Part of his current contract meant that if all went well with Connacht there would have been an option to extend his stay in Galway.

Certainly things have been going relatively well, despite a 10th place finish in what was the Rabo Pro 12 - last season saw the Westerners pick up a historic win over Toulouse in the Heineken Cup.

Lam’s recruitment of home grown players and signings of All Blacks legend Mils Muliaina and also former centre with the Chiefs, Bundee Aki, has also proven very popular.

Connacht are sixth in the Guinness Pro 12 table at the moment and stand a real chance to qualify for next seasons European Champions Cup under new qualifying rules where the top seven qualify.

His new contract will see him at the Sportsground until at least the summer of 2018 and among all the challenges ahead that he faces, a big one for him will be trying to keep Robbie Henshaw at the province - as speculation is linking the Irish international with a move to three time European Champions Leinster with only another year on his contract.

In a statement released through Connacht Rugby Lam said: “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 at 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 on the right track with all the good work that has been done over the years by many people.”