BRISTOL have appointed former Samoa legend Pat Lam as their new head coach to succeed ousted director of rugby Andy Robinson.

Lam will not join Bristol until June but has already committed his future to the Aviva Premiership relegation favourites.

Lam led Connacht to the 2016 Guinness PRO12 title but will now swap Galway for Ashton Gate at the end of the season.

Bristol confirmed the 48-year-old's appointment on Monday, to replace Robinson, who was sacked last month after three years at the helm.

Bristol have lost all 10 Premiership matches this term and are likely to drop back to the Championship for next season - but Lam has already insisted he remains unfazed by that prospect.

"I'm committed to Bristol irrespective as to what happens in the short-term - everything is in place for the club to be a force in the future and I'm honoured to be invited to join the journey," said Lam.

"I'm excited about the opportunity to coach and lead Bristol Rugby - a proud club with history, tradition and a bright future ahead.

"What appeals to me most after speaking to (owner) Steve Lansdown and (chairman) Chris Booy is their passion, vision and long term commitment to inspire fellow Bristolians worldwide through rugby success on and off the field.

"As with my decision to help Connacht Rugby four years ago, my coaching philosophy is very much aligned to assisting them in making Bristol Rugby a club where the Bristol community can be inspired and Bristol players have a genuine pathway to represent England by the quality of our rugby programme.

"This has been one of the most difficult decisions I've had to make in my life as Connacht and Galway is such a special place for myself and my family."

Former England and Bath coach Robinson joined Bristol in 2013 with the express brief to drive the club back into the Premiership.

Robinson finally achieved that aim in the summer and even signed a new three-year deal in August, but was unseated just three months later.

Now Bristol chairman Chris Booy has hailed Lam's appointment as a real coup for the ambitious club, and one aimed at the long-term.

"Pat was the outstanding candidate in our search for a new head coach and impressed the board with his coaching ability, experience and enthusiasm for the task ahead," said Booy.

"We're very pleased to appoint an individual of his quality. The board has been patient in our approach to ensure we have the right man to take this club forward in the long term.

"Pat has transformed a Connacht team into PRO12 champions and we believe he can build a squad, a culture and an environment that can be successful in the Aviva Premiership."

Mark Tainton will remain in his role of acting head coach for the remainder of the season, with Booy refusing to give up Bristol's Premiership survival fight.

"Mark Tainton and the existing coaching set-up will continue in their roles with the target of securing our Aviva Premiership survival," said Booy.

"They have done an excellent job so far in instilling some real fight and positivity into the players and we are confident that Mark has the ability to keep Bristol in the top flight."