Connacht have begun the process of replacing Pat Lam as head coach after the province’s top officials met at the Sportsground yesterday and CEO Willie Ruane insists it is Connacht, not the IRFU, that will decide who gets the job.

CONNACHT’S rugby players last night blasted the IRFU for its ‘appalling’ decision to discuss the possible disbandment of the provincial team 48 hours before the biggest game of their careers.