What happening here?
It’s October 6, 1991, and Western Samoa’s young debutant No.8 Pat Lam is in typical action, making the ball available after another barnstorming run, against Wales in their World Cup pool game at the Millennium Stadium. A hugely significant player and rugby individual is announcing his arrival on the Test scene in no uncertain manner.
What’s the story behind the picture?
A Samoan heritage player – and indeed a Samoan heritage team – was shaking the rugby world to the core and hinting at what a force the motherland could be if given some encouragement and opportunity.
Lam’s parents were both Samoan born and bred but like so many islanders had migrated to New Zealand and Auckland for mainly economic reasons, with many more job opportunities and the chance to earn enough money to send back home to the extended family in Samoa.
Lam was therefore born in New Zealand and, as an exceptionally gifted player, rose through the ranks of New Zealand Schools (1987) and New Zealand Colts (1989), captaining both sides. He also played for the New Zealand Sevens team at Hong Kong in 1989 before embarking on a senior career with Auckland and Auckland Blues.
This story is from the May 23, 2021 edition of The Rugby Paper.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the May 23, 2021 edition of The Rugby Paper.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
England can find a little bit of cheer
SO HERE we are on the final day of England’s autumn international series with all of us hoping and expecting Steve Borthwick’s team to win today after three weeks of bitter disappointment.
Stop messing with Marcus - Campese
DAVID Campese believes England are going backwards under Steve Borthwick, who is ‘messing around’ with talisman Marcus Smith.
Being a Lion was the highlight of my career
I PLAYED 19 games and scored 219 points for the Lions, on the tours to South Africa in 1968 and New Zealand in 1971, but I never played in a Test and that was fair enough.
Cook's crew not fazed as they eye tilt at top half
THERE appear to be few signs of second season syndrome at Westcombe Park as captain Nick Cook reveals the group aren’t even contemplating the threat of relegation and are instead targeting a top-half finish.
Forwards pack a punch for the Reds
OLD Redcliffians produced a proud defensive effort to take a bonus-point win.
Tom 'Ailes' the achievements of inspirational skipper Riley
SEDGLEY Park No. 8 Tom Ailes says his team relish the competitive nature of National One and is confident the Tigers can rectify their rocky start to the season in weeks to come.
Strachan confident Ampthill will be firing again soon
FRASER Strachan is determined to put Ampthill’s leaky defensive showings behind them and gain some much needed confidence in the run up to Christmas.
It's a whole new ball game for Rigg
WILL Rigg’s ambition was to become a professional cricketer but it is the oval ball rather than The Oval that is his driver now.
Scarratt leads the way for Lightning
LOUGHBOROUGH won a wet and windy East Midlands Derby after having the bonus point in the bag by half-time.
Becconsall: We need to release pressure
WILL Becconsall says Exeter are not spooked by the threat of relegation as they look to turn around their Premiership campaign after starting with six straight defeats.
