Former Manu Samoa Captain, Pat Lam was today announced as Head Coach of the Pacific Islanders team for its inaugural tour of the Northern Hemisphere in November this year.

Chairmen of the PIRA Unions Hon. Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi (Samoa Rugby Union),
Keni Dakuidraketi (Fiji Rugby Union), Sangster Saulala (Tonga Rugby Football Union) said, “That they welcome Pat’s appointment to lead the Pacific Islanders team in this historic tour of Europe.”

In announcing the appointment, Chairman of PIRA’s Tour Committee, Mr.Bob Tuckey, said that Pat was the ideal person to lead the tour. “Pat has had extensive playing and coaching experience in the Pacific, New Zealand and Europe and he will bring that experience to this team with enthusiasm and passion”. “This will be a tough tour with tests against Wales, Scotland and Ireland. We were looking for someone with just that type of background, strong leadership qualities and a real understanding of Pacific Island Rugby. Pat fits the bill perfectly”.

Pat is currently under contract to Auckland Rugby Union as head coach of the Auckland NPC team but will be seconded to PIRA after Air New Zealand Cup commitments have been fulfilled. Andy Dalton, CEO of Auckland Rugby Union said he was thrilled that this opportunity has come Pat’s way. “This appointment is a significant one and an endorsement of Pat’s coaching ability. As well Auckland Rugby Union is delighted to be able to lend such material support to the Pacific Islands Rugby Community that plays such an important role in our region”

“I regard it as a great privilege and an honor to have been appointed coach as this also allows me to put something back into Pacific Island Rugby. I’m under no illusions as to the challenge this tour poses but at the same time I feel confident that the touring party will be up to that challenge” Pat said.

PIRA CEO, Sakopo Lolohea said that he was looking forward to working closely with Pat and the newly appointed Pacific Islanders management team to make this historic tour a success. Sakopo announced the full make up of the management team as follows:-

Management Team:

Head coach - Pat Lam
Assistant coach, backs – Shane Howarth
Assistant coach, scrum – Mike Casey
Team manager – Joe Browne
Logistics manager – Jo-Anne Ashby
Doctor – Dr. Ben Matalavea
Physio – Cathy Wong
Masseur – Simione Kuruvoli
Trainer – Paul Davies
Video analyst – Marcus Agnew

“This is a very strong and well balanced group of professionals who will provide the players with the support they need to be successful”.

Test schedule:

11 November 2006 -v- Wales at Cardiff
18 November 2006 -v- Scotland at Edinburgh
26 November 2006 –v- Ireland at Dublin

Pat Lam:

Three Rugby World Cup campaigns for Samoa,1991, 95 & 99. Captain in ’95 & 99.

Played for Auckland, North Harbour, Canterbury Crusaders Super 14, Northampton (UK) and Newcastle (UK).

Assistant coach Scotland; Head coach Auckland NPC.