The Blues have announced that star utility back AJ Lam has agreed terms to join Clermont Auvergne and will depart the Auckland-based club after the upcoming Super Rugby campaign.
Lam will remain fully committed to the Blues for the entirety of the 2026 season, where he is expected to continue playing a key role both on and off the field, the Blues revealed via a press statement on Tuesday.
The 27-year-old, who is the younger brother of former Samoa international Ben Lam and a nephew of Bristol Bears boss Pat Lam, made his debut on the wing for the Blues in 2021 after impressive performances for Auckland in New Zealand’s National Provincial Championship (NPC).
Helped Blues win the 2024 Super Rugby Pacific title
Blessed with plenty of speed and raw power, Lam was moved from wing to centre during the Blues’ 2024 campaign and played a leading role for the men from Auckland during their triumphant Super Rugby Pacific campaign.
His superb form for the Blues put him on the All Blacks‘ radar but despite earning call-ups as injury cover, he has not featured in head coach Scott Robertson‘s side yet and his move to Clermont will end his eligibility for New Zealand’s national team.
He is the second Blues player who is set to leave New Zealand’s shores after this year’s Super Rugby Pacific competition after it was confirmed last month that All Blacks back-row Hoskins Sotutu will be joining Prem outfit Newcastle Red Bulls.
Despite not being a capped international, Lam has been a regular in the All Blacks XV side in recent years and he also featured for the AUNZ Invitational XV during their tour match against the British & Irish Lions in Adelaide last year.
Another All Blacks XV regular back-rower Tom Christie also joined Newcastle last August while experienced New Zealand flyer Sevu Reece, who was Christie’s team-mate at the Crusaders, is set to join Top 14 outfit Perpignan on a three-year deal from the 2026/27 season.
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Reflecting on his decision to swap the Blues for Clermont, Lam said the move was an exciting new chapter, but despite the impending switch, his focus remains firmly on the Blues for now.
‘I’m proud of what we’ve achieved’
“This club has shaped me. The Blues have been my home and I’m proud of what we’ve achieved,” he said. “I’m grateful for the support from the coaches, staff, my teammates and our fans.
“While I’m excited for the opportunity in France, my goal right now is to give everything to the Blues in 2026 and finish my time here in the best possible way.”
Blues general manager rugby Murray Williams said Lam has left a lasting impression with the club.
“AJ is a Blues man through and through. He’s grown with this club from the moment he arrived,” he said.
“Clermont are getting a special player, but we’re grateful that we have another full season with him.
“AJ is locked in for 2026 and we know he’ll give everything for the jersey.”
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