Pat Lam backs former Connacht charge AJ MacGinty to ‘fit in nicely’ at Bristol

Then Connacht head coach Pat Lam with AJ MacGinty in 2016. Picture: INPHO/Ryan Byrne

Pat Lam is relishing a reunion with Sale’s international fly-half AJ MacGinty when he joins Bristol next summer.

MacGinty played a pivotal role as Connacht, coached by Lam, won the PRO12 title in 2016.

And the United States Test player arrives at Ashton Gate for next season as a player Bristol boss Lam not only knows well, but rates extremely highly.

“I think the big thing with AJ is first and foremost he is an excellent team person. It’s all about the team,” Lam said.

“By being a good person and a good communicator – and obviously being a world-class rugby player – it is exactly what you want from a 10, and being able to drive the game.

“You know the guys will look up to him and respect him, and he will fit in nicely with the group.

“His fundamental skills are excellent. He has obviously got a very good kicking game, but he is also a big defender.

At Connacht, remember in those days it was very difficult for anyone to get past AJ MacGinty, Bundee Aki at 12 and Robbie Henshaw at 13. No one was coming down that channel. He will certainly fit in nicely here.” 

Restrictions around the number of players who were not eligible for Ireland appearing in Irish provincial rugby meant that MacGinty could not remain at Connacht, and he headed to Sale – helped by a telephone call from Lam.

“When he wasn’t allowed to stay, I rang most of the Premiership directors of rugby because I knew them and I knew he would be good in the Premiership,” Lam added.

“The first guy to take him up was Steve Diamond (at Sale). Steve flew him over, and 24 hours later he signed him.

“I think playing in the Premiership at a good Sale team, the experience of playing week in and week out in the Premiership and international rugby at World Cups has helped develop his game.

“He will add real value to us.” 

While MacGinty will strengthen Bristol’s fly-half resources alongside Wales international Callum Sheedy next term, the immediate focus is to maintain improved Gallagher Premiership form.

After losing four of their first five league games, back-to-back victories over London Irish and Worcester have teed up Friday’s appointment with Northampton.

“Every year, it is always a good game,” Lam said, ahead of Saints’ visit to Ashton Gate.

“They have been good games because both teams have got a great attitude to play good rugby, but it is one you have got to be very precise on because they can cause you a lot of damage.

“The last one was close, and it has always gone right down to the wire in the last three years.”