Lam is named as new Auckland coach

AUCKLAND, Jan 28 (Reuters) - Former Samoa and New Zealand international Pat Lam has been appointed as coach of Auckland, the team said on Wednesday.

Lam, who has been working as Scotland's assistant coach, takes over from Wayne Pivac, who stepped down after leading Auckland to two successive National Provincial Championship (NPC) titles in New Zealand.

Former loose forward Lam played for North Harbour in the NPC before moving to England.

He wore the colours of Northampton and Newcastle and won the European player of the year award in 2000.

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