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Ben Lam leaves union for rugby league with immediate effect

Ben Lam leaves union for rugby league with immediate effect

Samoa Rugby World Cup selection Ben Lam has left rugby union immediately to consider an offer from French-based Super League side Catalan Dragons. The 33-year-old, whose contract expires after finishing at Montpellier, was said to remain in the Top 14 as a possible target for Castres.

But the former New Zealand sevens player has decided to leave the union and instead play in the league through the Dragons until the end of the 2024 season. The statement read: “Catalans Dragons are delighted to announce the immediate transfer of rugby star Ben Lam. The New Zealand winger has signed a contract with the club until the end of 2024.

“A tall, evasive and explosive runner, Ben Lam has spent his entire career playing rugby union. He made his professional debut in Super Rugby in 2012 with the Auckland Blues. After playing for his hometown team, he joined the Hurricanes and has been a key player in Super Rugby leading up to the 2020 season, scoring 33 goals in 56 professional appearances.

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“Lam then went to France and signed with Union Bordeaux-Begles. After two seasons at UBB, he joined Montpellier. Lam, who could not find the chance to play in his first season, found his form again last season despite MHR’s difficult season. He scored 16 goals in 55 Top 14 appearances.

“The powerful winger made his international debut for New Zealand’s rugby sevens team in 2012. His solid performances saw him win the World Rugby Sevens Series in the following two seasons. He also represented Samoa at the 2023 Rugby World Cup, playing in the first two matches against Argentina and Japan.”

Lam said: “I am excited to join the Dragons. It is a special opportunity for me to learn and have a new experience at a great club. I am looking forward to seeing what this year brings.”

Catalan coach Steve McNamara added: “Ben has shown a real desire to try rugby league and has made a huge personal commitment to give himself every chance of succeeding in it. “We are really pleased to give him this opportunity. His pedigree in rugby union is obvious and we look forward to seeing if we can help him translate that to rugby league.”

Dragons sporting director Neil McIlroy said: “The opportunity to add an experienced rugby union player like Ben was too good to pass up. He has a real desire to play rugby league before the end of his career. He turned down offers to play rugby union in France to spend a trial period with us until Christmas.

“After that, we will decide whether the transition has been successful. He will train with the Dragons and have the chance to get game time with our reserve team, St Esteve XIII Catalan. It will be interesting to see whether his strength and experience from rugby union can adapt to rugby league.”