Former Samoan rugby captain Pat Lam has been chosen as head coach for the Pacific Islanders' inaugural tour of the Northern Hemisphere in November.
Lam, the Auckland provincial coach, was chosen by the Pacific Islanders Rugby Alliance (Pira) to prepare the composite side of Fijians, Samoans and Tongans for tests
against Wales, Scotland and Ireland.
Pira tour committee spokesman Bob Tuckey today said Lam was the ideal candidate 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," he said.
Lam is under contract to the Auckland Rugby Football Union (ARFU) and will be seconded to Pira after the domestic Air New Zealand Cup.
ARFU chief executive Andy Dalton was happy to enable Lam to take up the role.
"This appointment is a significant one and an endorsement of Pat's coaching ability," he said.
Lam, who will be joined by fellow Auckland coaches Shane Howarth (backs) and Mike Casey (scrum) in the team's management staff, said he was proud to be given the opportunity.
"It's a great privilege and an honour to have been appointed coach.
"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."
The Pacific Islanders play Wales on November 11 and then Scotland and Ireland on consecutive Saturdays.
- NZPA
