Pat Lam has signed a new three-year deal with the IRFU which will see him remain Connacht head coach until at least 2018.
Lam has overseen a period of sustained improvement for Connacht, who face La Rochelle in their final European Challenge Cup pool clash on Saturday.
Speaking this afternoon, Lam said he was delighted to be staying in Galway, saying he and his wife were "blessed to be living in a very special place."
"I am thrilled that I will be with Connacht Rugby for a further three years as we strive towards achieving great things. We have a vision here to be 'world class' in everything we do so we can grow and promote the game out west and ensure everyone involved has the best opportunity to achieve their goals. "
Connacht Rugby CEO Willie Ruane praised the impact Lam has had on the province.
"Pat came in and immediately picked up where Eric (Elwood) left off in building on the good work that had been done. 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.
"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."
