Hulking winger Ben Lam may not be returning to NZ

Hulking New Zealand winger Ben Lam may not be returning to New Zealand despite coming off contract with Montpellier at the end of the current season.

Lam joined MHR last season from Union Bordeaux-Bègles, but will not be staying with the team next season as he has not been retained by the MHR, largely due to a lack of form since moving to Top 14 powerhouse.

Effectively a free agent, Rugbyrama in France reports that Castres has shown interest in the former Bordeaux player, despite initial reports suggesting he may return to New Zealand.

Lam's recent impressive performance against Exeter in the European Cup has apparently caught the attention of Castres Olympique.

Despite the recent acquisition of Nathanaël Hulleu, the top scorer of Pro D2, Castres is still on the lookout for a strong addition to their team, with Leicester Tigers and England star Anthony Watson's name previously mentioned.

The 6'4, 106kg Lam has only scored two tries in ten games this season and has faced competition from Vincent Rattez, George Bridge, and Gabriel N'Gandebe in the team. This is in contrast to his generally impressive performance over the past two seasons with Bordeaux.

Lam left the Super Rugby and the Hurricanes in 2020, a franchise where he made his debut in 2017.

Before that, he was an established member of the New Zealand Sevens team which won a silver medal at the Glasgow Commonwealth Games.