Pat Lam

Saints Number: #1738
Saints Career: 1998-2001
Appearances: 78
Position: Back Row

Career Statistics

Tries: 24
Total Points: 120

Representative Honours

Samoa
New Zealand
Barbarians

Hall of Fame

Inducted: 2017

Pat Lam

Few signings in Northampton Saints history have made a greater impact in such a short period than Pat Lam.

Born and raised in New Zealand, Lam was one of the leading back-row forwards of the professional era. Although he earned All Blacks honours in 1992, his greatest international success came with Samoa, whom he captained and helped inspire to some of the nation’s most famous Rugby World Cup performances.

After establishing himself with Auckland, North Harbour and the Crusaders, Lam arrived in England and was named Premiership Player of the Season with Newcastle Falcons in 1997/98. His subsequent transfer to Northampton was viewed as a major statement of intent by the Club.

Lam’s arrival coincided with the emergence of one of Saints’ greatest teams. Appointed captain during the 1999/2000 season, he led Northampton through a remarkable campaign that saw the Club challenge on three fronts and ultimately capture the Heineken Cup.

The defining image of that success remains Lam and Tim Rodber lifting the trophy together following the 9-8 victory over Munster at Twickenham. Playing much of the campaign through a serious shoulder injury, Lam epitomised the determination and leadership that underpinned the team's success.

Although he spent only three seasons at Franklin’s Gardens, his influence far outweighed the length of his stay. He left Saints as one of the Club’s most respected captains and one of the key figures in its greatest triumph.

After retiring, Lam has built an outstanding coaching career, leading Connacht to an historic PRO12 title in 2016 before taking charge of Bristol Bears. His induction into the Hall of Fame in 2017 recognised both his leadership and his central role in one of the defining moments in Northampton Saints history.

Hall of Fame profiles have been researched and compiled, with the Club’s grateful thanks, by the volunteers of Northampton Saints Foundation’s Heritage Department – whose work helps preserve and share the rich history of Northampton Saints.