He's set to begin his new role from the start of the 2017-18 season
Pat Lam has been appointed Bristol's rugby union head coach from next summer.
The former Samoa forward will leave Connacht - who he guided to the Pro12 title last season.
Bristol's acting head coach Mark Tainton will stay at Ashton Gate as part of Lam's backroom staff.
The club's currently bottom of the Premiership, without a win from 10 matches.