Super Rugby Pacific: A.J. Lam’s French move underlines growing Blues and fringe All Blacks drain

A.J. Lam is not the highest-profile name to mark the end of an era at the Blues this season but his imminent departure should rank among those that rattles New Zealand Rugby.

Lam is in the prime of his career. Yet just as his transition from wing to the midfield generates serious traction, the 27-year-old is preparing to take his talents to France, having signed a lucrative three-year deal with Clermont.

While the Blues boast depth in their midfield ranks, with 21-year-old Xavier Taele progressing, Rieko Ioane returning home mid-year and veteran Pita Ahki providing an experienced head, Lam will leave a notable hole.

The concern for New Zealand Rugby (NZR) is Lam’s looming exit signals a theme of fringe All Blacks prospects yet to reach their ceilings choosing to cash in and chase an alternate rugby experience, rather than keep banging on a door that may never open.

Lam will continue to mature. Midfielders only get better with age. Like many others, such as former Blues team-mate Harry Plummer, whom he will link with at Clermont, Lam will make a significant impact on the French Top 14 scene too.

Prospects in Lam’s fringe All Blacks bracket typically double, sometimes triple, their earnings abroad. Retaining everyone is, therefore, impossible for NZR but the production line isn’t what it used to be, and Lam is another leading example of the depth erosion that takes years to foster.

After six years at the Blues and several seasons of All Blacks XV selection, Lam closed the door on his dream of representing New Zealand on the test scene by determining this year is the right time to move abroad.

“There were a lot of conversations with my family and girlfriend before I made the decision,” Lam said. “There’s a lot of good young boys coming through the Blues so hopefully we’ll see them push on a bit further than I did.

“Going over to France, I wanted to try a different type of rugby, a new competition, test myself in that way and enjoy the lifestyle as well, being able to travel and all that.

“I’m content with what I’ve put out for New Zealand rugby. I’ve tried to push myself for those accolades but with the talk with my parents and girlfriend about when to leave, we felt it was the best time for me now. I’m still at a young age where I can enjoy my rugby and the challenging aspects of it. As time has gone by, I’m content with my decision to move.

“I’ve really enjoyed getting my hands on the ball more and, in the midfield, getting more involved. It suits the style I play. Playing alongside the likes of Beauden Barrett and Rieko Ioane has made that transition easier. Last season was the first time in two years I had a proper off-season so I bulked up a bit but I’ve tried not to get too big.”

Lam’s older brother Ben Lam, who featured for the All Blacks Sevens team and starred on the wing for the Hurricanes, paved the path for his move after his shift to France in his prime six years ago.

“I thought I would always stay here,” Lam said. “Growing up I was watching my brother the whole time and how well he went. With his move over to France, I’ve talked to him, watched a few of his games, you get that influence so it’s pretty exciting.

“I’ve been talking to Harry quite a bit too. He’s loving it there. He’s doing a great job for Clermont and they enjoy having him in a pivotal role. He’s getting me excited for when we go over.”

Lam will be joined in the departure lounge by former All Blacks loose forwards Dalton Papali’i, Hoskins Sotutu and others, with veteran prop Ofa Tu’ungafasi and injured playmaker Stephen Perofeta among other long-serving Blues figures weighing their next moves.

With head coach Vern Cotter and other assistants set to leave following this season, too, the Blues seek to close this chapter by capturing silverware.

While the Blues were humbled by the Hurricanes in Wellington last week, the cavalry are returning, with captain Patrick Tuipulotu, Papali’i and Sotutu significantly bolstering the forward pack as they host the Highlanders at Eden Park on Friday night.

“Our coach brought that up before our captain’s run this morning that we only have three more home games, so we need to make the most of those for us boys who are leaving. We’ll try to cherish the moments that are coming up in the next few weeks and the limited time we have left,” Lam said.

“The Blues took a chance on me when I first started out. To keep me on this long, I’d like to give back to them. And for the other boys who are leaving and have been in the Blues their whole lives, it would be something special if we left with a bang.

“We’re connecting well. There’s a few things in our game we need to fix up to become a complete team. We come into training and we’re honest with each other. I’ve got a good feeling with the group we have at the moment.”

Liam Napier is a Senior Sports Journalist and Rugby Correspondent for the New Zealand Herald. He is a co-host of the Rugby Direct podcast.