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Catalans Dragons sign international rugby union winger as spending spree continues

Ben Lam has signed for Catalans Dragons.
-Credit: (Image: Reach Publishing Services Limited)


Catalans Dragons have announced the signing of international rugby union winger Ben Lam. The New Zealander has signed with the club until the end of the season following his release from Montpellier.

The 33-year-old has signed a short-term contract with the French club and will aid them in their quest to secure a play-off spot in the closing rounds of the season.

He has spent his entire career playing the 15-man code, first coming to prominence when playing for Auckland Blues in Super League. He subsequently enjoyed a successful spell with the Hurricanes, scoring 33 tries in 56 games.

At the point he headed to France signing with Union Bordeaux-Bègles. After two seasons he signed for Montpellier, scoring 16 tries in 55 games. Internationally he has played for New Zealand at rugby sevens and represented Samoa in the World Cup last year.

"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," head coach Steve McNamara said. "We are really happy to give him the opportunity. His pedigree in Rugby Union is there to see and it is with great interest that we wait to see if we can help him turn that quality into rugby league.”

Catalans Dragons' Sporting Director Neil McIlroy added: "The opportunity to sign an experienced rugby union player like Ben was too good to pass up. He has a genuine desire to play Rugby League before the end of his career. He turned down opportunities in rugby union in France to undertake a trial period with us until Christmas.

"After that, we will decide whether the transition has been successful or not. He will train with the Dragons and have the chance to get game time with our reserve team St Estève XIII Catalan. It will be interesting to see if his power and experience in rugby union can adapt to rugby league."

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