A SIX-MONTH minimum notice clause is believed to be the primary factor in the timing of the announcement of Pat Lam’s departure from Connacht this week.
The escape clause meant that there wasn’t going to be a good time for Lam to make the announcement with the two Champions Cup games against Wasps being followed by derbies against Ulster and Munster before the concluding European pool games in January.
Lam was under contract to remain in charge of Connacht until June 2018 but a clause in the deal when he extended his stay by three years in January 2015 meant that he had to act soon if he was to take charge of Bristol in the summer.
The announcement itself on Monday was difficult enough for Connacht fans to accept but the puzzlement at the timing may be explained by the six-month notice clause.
The process to find Lam’s replacement begins in earnest today when the Connacht Professional Game Board meets at the Sportsground.
Players also return to training today. They were on a day off on Monday when they received instructions to go to the Sportsground, apparently under the assumption of some screening procedure.
Some had to travel from Dublin for the Monday morning meeting at the Sportsground where Lam told them in person he was departing.
One player said there was absolute shock in the room, while Bundee Aki, who recently turned down lucrative offers from France and England to sign a three-year contract extension, didn’t hide his disappointment when he took to Twitter and proclaimed: ‘Feeling pissed’.
The Pro12 player of the season may now face disciplinary action for his outburst to add to the unrest at the Sportsground.
It is understood player also faced disciplinary measures recently when he tweeted an indication that he was about to leave Connacht before a hastily arranged press conference the following day announced that he has signed a three-year contract extension.
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Mega :)
Blessed with such strength and depth now, hope we make the most of it. Heres to a healthy and successful 2015!
Have you been watching the provinces recently? Scrums in reverse all over the gaff.
Two world class players that I wish were kiwi. Hopefully they’ll bring back what Leinster have been missing.. Grunt and efficiency up front combined with some destructive ball carrying.
Great news coming into world cup year but the best thing is, they won’t just walk back into the team, they will have to fight for their place because the other lads have done so well in their absence. Happy days.
If fit both are automatic choices.
Nobody has come anywhere near performing even close to healys level. Scrum has been going backwards for ages.
The boys are back in town :-)
Hope Sean takes his time and comes back without injury concern. God have mercy on any team facing both him and Healy back on form! Exciting times ahead.
We still have time to sharpen up and blow Wasps and Castres away in January. Positive vibes chaps! Is MOC giving in on his stubborn ideology a little or is that just me? The last 3 games seem to be at least TRYING to sort out the problem areas? Is it just my wishful thinking?
Cian until we play with half backs that can move the ball we will not get any better.
No back tries created since away to traviso.
Reddan (Mc Grath 21), Madigan 10, Reid 12, Fitzy 13 please please please
Leinster have been getting very little forward ball for the their half backs to be fair.
Brilliant news, possible inclusion for the last two crucial pool games of the Champions Cup would be excellent and have them battle hardened for the 6 Nations :)
As Leinster was the only Irish team to win last weekend and showed a marked improvement in cohesiveness, when these two players become available it can only strengthen the squad. Running the ball requires winning the ball first and that is why the old saying ” forwards win matches the backs by how much”. Next Friday will show just how much Leinster’s forwards have improved as I am quite sure the breakdown will be contested with the usual Munster vigour that earned them a comprehensive win last time out.
Brian the breakdown was handed to Munster because someone though it was a good idea to put only one or two players into the ruck v Munster.
Hopefully Leo will have enough balls about him to speak up this time and tell Matt that unless your forwards meet Munster head on with at least if not more numbers at the ruck your going to get your ArSe handed to you