KK off to coach Connacht
Former All Black and current Chiefs assistant coach Kieran Keane has been hired to replace Pat Lam as head coach of Irish club side Connacht.
Keane, who has been with the Chiefs for just over a year, has signed a three-year contract with the club, taking over from Lam, who is taking up a head coaching role at Bristol in June.
Keane played rugby for Canterbury and was an uncapped All Black in 1979, playing six matches but no tests, before becoming a high school teacher.
In 2011-12, he was assistant coach at the Highlanders, before becoming head coach of the Tasman Makos, leading them to victory in the ITM Championship Cup in 2013.
Keane said he had recently visited the west of Ireland to meet the team, which plays in the Guinness PRO12 and European Champions Cup, and was "immediately taken" by their passion and ambition.
"It was clear very early on in our discussions that Connacht Rugby was a good fit for me and I am looking forward to the challenge ahead and to working with the players and everyone associated with the club."
Connacht chief executive Willie Ruane said Keane's "ambitious and exciting brand of rugby", and his ability for identifying talent and maximising players' potential, matched the club's needs.
"Kieran's time at Tasman also highlights the connection that his teams have with the community they represent, and that is something he clearly sees in Connacht as well.
"Everyone at Connacht Rugby is extremely excited about the future and Kieran's appointment is key to helping us achieve the level of sustained and consistent success that we are all working towards."
Ruane said ahead of Keane's arrival, the team was focused on a strong finish to the current season, under the eye of Lam.
