Escape clause sparked Pat Lam's announcement

It is believed that an escape clause which required Pat Lam to give six months notice was the primary reason why the Connacht coach made the announcement yesterday that he was departing the Sportsground at the end of the season.

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.

Connacht are facing into their two most important games of the season with back-to-back Champions Cup games against Wasps and there was surprise at the timing of the announcement yesterday.