Robbie Henshaw is making waves under Pat Lam at Connacht © Getty Images

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Pat Lam has signed a new three-year deal at Connacht, extending his tenure at the Irish Guinness PRO12 province to the end of the 2017-2018 season.

The former Samoa Test player joined the province ahead of the 2013-2014 season, and he has them punching above their weight in this current campaign. Connacht are sixth in the 12-team PRO12 competition that involves clubs from Ireland, Wales, Scotland and Italy, and they are second, positioned to qualify for the knockout stages, behind Exeter Chiefs in Pool 2 of the European Challenge Cup.

Lam, who coached Auckland in New Zealand's ITM Cup and the Blues in Super Rugby, said Connacht had a vision "to be world class in everything we do".

"To be a part of it is very exciting," Lam said.

Connacht Rugby chief executive Willie Ruane praised Lam's work, saying "it was very clear the impact that Pat has had on the squad of players, but also the organisation as a whole".

"He has instilled a real culture of belief amongst the senior team and that has had a big effect on the rest of the organisation as well. We are all delighted that Pat will be staying on as head coach for the next three years. As a coach, he has added real value to our professional rugby set up. He shows massive faith in our young players emerging from the academy and is constantly striving to improve these young men so that they can go on to achieve their own goals of playing at the top level for both Connacht and Ireland.

"He has also been instrumental in attracting major overseas players here and with players committing their futures to the club it just reaffirms their commitment and belief in what we are doing here."