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Thursday

15:00

TOP 14

Rugby league club explain why they're releasing Ben Lam

By Ian Cameron

4 hours ago

Montpellier's New Zealand wing Ben Lam (L) runs with the ball during the French Top 14 rugby union match between Montpellier Herault Rugby and Castres Olympique at the GGL Stadium in Montpellier, southern France, on December 23, 2023. (Photo by Sylvain THOMAS / AFP) (Photo by SYLVAIN THOMAS/AFP via Getty Images)

The Catalan Dragons have confirmed that Ben Lam will not be retained for the 2025 season, ending his brief stint with the club.

Lam (33) had joined the French Super League side on a trial basis following his participation in the 2023 Rugby World Cup with Samoa and four seasons in French rugby union with Union Bordeaux-Bègles, and Montpellier.

In a statement released late Monday morning, the club explained that despite Lam’s efforts, it was decided he would struggle to secure playing time in his preferred positions. “…it was felt that, despite his efforts, it would be difficult for him to get playing time in the positions where he has experience.”

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The club credited Lam’s positive influence during his time with the team, citing his encouragement of younger players and his humility in training and matches. It was not enough to secure a place in the Dragons’ Super League plans for the upcoming season however.

A former New Zealand Sevens international and Super Rugby standout, Lam transitioned to rugby league after a decade in professional rugby union.

The 6’4, 105kg winger previously played for the Blues and the Hurricanes back in New Zealand.

Upon the announcement of the trial back in August, Catalan head coach Steve McNamara said Lam “has shown a real desire to try rugby league” and made a significant commitment to succeed, adding, “His pedigree in Rugby Union is there to see.”

Dragons sporting director Neil McIlroy called the opportunity to sign Lam “too good to pass up,” noting his “genuine desire to play rugby league” before ending his career. McIlroy explained that Lam turned down rugby union opportunities in France for a trial until Christmas, during which he would train with the Dragons and play for their reserve team, saying, “It will be interesting to see if his power and experience in rugby union can adapt to rugby league.”

It seems that question has now been answered.

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At #15 he was given a lot more space and protection and was frequently superb. Proper game changer. Even if they stick with him now at #10, plenty still assume that M'ounga will waltz back in to start once his sabbatical ends.

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Barry 1 hour ago

'It doesn’t make sense for New Zealand to deny itself access to world-class players'

Actually there is still an English-Welsh component at U20/U18. While the rebranded Anglo Welsh cup had it's last season in 2017/18, relate that to the English and Welsh teams at that period.

England were just off a 17 match winning run and Wales were still a force. A ringing endorsement for the rugby exposure beyond their sole domestic leagues.

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Barry 2 hours ago

'It doesn’t make sense for New Zealand to deny itself access to world-class players'

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fl 5 hours ago

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JW 6 hours ago

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