Pat Lam: Anthony Foley was a legend of world rugby

Connacht coach Pat Lam has described Anthony Foley as a legend of world rugby who he had the honour of battling as a coach and a player.

The coach, speaking at NUI Galway where he was conferred with an honorary degree, said the late Munster hero would be remembered as a special man on and off the pitch.

Lam said he was distraught to hear the news of the death of the former Ireland and Munster star on Sunday.

Lam and Foley had locked horns on many occasions both as players and coaches, most memorably when Lam captained Northampton and denied Munster a first Heineken Cup in 2000 — both men played No 8 that day.

And the Connacht coach said it was with a heavy heart that he remembered a great competitor and friend.

“He was an extremely good friend and I’m still in shock at what happened to him,” said Lam. “Our thoughts go to Olive his wife, and the kids. It’s a tough day for them and for Irish rugby.

“He was a special man, I was only talking to him last week and wishing him all the best with the European adventure. It’s hard to believe that he’s gone and what’s happened. He will never be forgotten.

“The first time we met, I was captain of Northampton, and we played Munster in the Heineken Cup final. We won 9-8 but we marked each other. Straight afterwards we acknowledged it and that friendship lasted right up until this day.

“We stayed in touch often and encouraged each other. Connacht got off to a rocky start and he was the first one to text me.

“He was a legend in world rugby, everyone knew him, everyone respected him, and I was just blessed to know him well. It’s an extremely sad time.”

The College of Arts, Social Sciences, and Celtic Studies presented Lam with his honorary doctorate — while Connacht players Eoghan Masterson, Saba Meunargia and Jack Dinneen were also conferred. The former Samoan captain led Connacht to their first ever piece of silverware when they won the Pro12 title last May.