Pat Lam

Patrick Richard Lam (born 29 September 1968 in Auckland) is a New Zealand born rugby union coach of Samoan descent. He was a previously an international player, with his position of choice being Number 8.

Playing career

Lam attended St Peter's College, Grafton, and captained the New Zealand Secondary Schools rugby team. He played at loose forward for Auckland, North Harbour and Crusaders, before moving to England where he first played for Newcastle Falcons. In his first season at Newcastle he made 22 appearances as they won the 1997-98 Premiership. However, after that triumph he moved on to Northampton Saints, with whom he won the 1999–2000 Heineken Cup. Lam moved back to Newcastle Falcons for the 2001–02 season, playing with the club for a year before retiring.

Lam was capped once by the All Blacks in 1992 (All Black no. 928) in a non-test game against Sydney. He had played for Samoa first in 1991 and went on to captain them and represented them in three World Cups, retiring from international rugby after the 1999 tournament. Samoa reached the 1991 and 1995 quarter-finals against expectations.