With immediate effect, Ben Lam leaves union to play rugby league.
Ben Lam, a Samoan rugby player selected for the World Cup, has resigned from rugby union effective immediately to accept an offer from the French Super League team Catalan Dragons. The 33-year-old, who had ended his time at Montpellier and was without a contract, had been tipped to remain in the Top 14, with Castres being his most likely destination.
But the former New Zealand 7s star has made the decision to play league with the Dragons until the conclusion of the 2024 season, abandoning union. “Catalans Dragons are thrilled to announce the signing of rugby union star Ben Lam with immediate effect,” a statement stated. The winger from New Zealand has committed to the team through the end of 2024.
Ben Lam is a big, cunning, and quick runner who has played rugby union his whole life. In 2012, he made his Super Rugby debut with the Auckland Blues. He played for his native club before joining the Hurricanes, where he scored 33 tries in 56 professional games and established himself as a vital member of the Super Rugby team during the 2020 campaign.
After that, Lam signed with Union Bordeaux-Begles and travelled to France. He left UBB after two seasons to join Montpellier. Despite MHR’s difficult season, he regained his form last season after playing little in his debut year. In 55 Top 14 games, he scored 16 tries. “The strong winger debuted for New Zealand’s rugby sevens team on the international scene in 2012.” He won the World Rugby Sevens Series the next two seasons with strong performances. In the opening two matches of the 2023 Rugby World Cup, he played for Samoa against Argentina and Japan.
“I’m thrilled to be joining the Dragons,” Lam declared. For me, this is a unique opportunity to learn and experience something new at a fantastic club. I am excited to see what this year has in store. “Ben has shown a real desire to try rugby league and has made a big personal commitment to give himself every chance to be successful at it,” said Steve McNamara, head coach of Catalan. We are genuinely delighted to offer him this chance. His rugby union background is evident, and we eagerly await the possibility of assisting him in transferring that skill to rugby league.
“The opportunity to sign an experienced rugby union player like Ben was too good to pass up,” stated Neil McIlroy, sporting director of the Dragons. Before his career ends, he truly wants to play rugby league. He declined our offer to work with us on a trial basis through Christmas while playing rugby union in France.
We will next determine whether or not the move was successful. In addition to practicing with the Dragons, he might get some playing time with our reserve squad, St Esteve XIII Catalan. It will be intriguing to observe how his influence and rugby union expertise translate to rugby league.