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Lam: Family was key in my decision to join Bristol
Pat Lam has admitted that Anthony Foley’s death contributed to his decision to leave his role as Connacht head coach and insisted the welfare of his family proved crucial in the move.
Lam will take the helm at Aviva Premiership side Bristol when he steps down from his current role at the end of campaign and dismissed any speculation that the move is influenced by money.
The New-Zealander revealed the death of Foley made him consider what is best for his family, and admitted this was the reason for the crucial decision.
Despite turning down an earlier offer from the English side this autumn, Lam accepted a fresh offer two weeks ago and has said the goals set by the club appeal to him.
"In my whole process I look at my rugby career because I am responsible for my family too." Lam said.
"Are you okay to go to Galway? Are you okay to go to Newcastle? And when I came back from Bristol, we put it all on the table and we said: 'No. We are happy here, we love it here.
"Two weeks ago, Bristol put an offer down and it was quite significant. They pretty much said: 'Can you come here and do what you did in Connacht?'
"That completely flipped my decision from rugby to family. The reason why it did is that when I went down to Killaloe to see my good friend Axel, who was in that coaching environment".
The 48-year-old also confirmed he will not take any Connacht players to England with him.
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