Pat Lam surprised Bristol new boy Niyi Adeolokun was released by Connacht

Bristol Bears Director of Rugby Pat Lam during the Gallagher Premiership match at Sandy Park, Exeter.

Pat Lam has admitted he was “very surprised” to be able to snap up Niyi Adeolokun on a short-term deal for Bristol after the Ireland wing was released by Connacht.

Bristol boss Lam has signed his former Connacht wing Adeolokun on an injury-cover deal until the end of the delayed 2019/20 campaign, revealing the 29-year-old had already been training with the Bears for the last fortnight.