Life was certainly not all about rugby for Ben Lam growing up in Auckland.

With five sisters in his family, Lam and his brother had to look towards their cousins for any action with a rugby ball.

Not that kicking or passing an oval ball around was Lam’s only sporting ambition as a teen as he excelled on the athletics track, frequently running sub 11 seconds for the 100m.

“Athletics was something I enjoyed when I was younger and it got me out and about in the summer,” he said.

Schooled at St Peter’s College in Grafton, it was natural for Lam to think progress in rugby would come via Auckland and the Blues.

While it was certainly shaping that way in 2012 when he made his Blues debut, a lack of opportunities over the next few seasons saw him concentrate more on representing New Zealand at sevens before an offer to come to the Hurricanes was made.

Playing in the capital was not something Lam had envisaged growing up.

“Growing up in Auckland you always think you will be playing for teams up there,” he said.

“But I’ve been given an opportunity here and it’s worked out pretty well.”

While he admits it was “tough” coming into a new environment when he first joined the club, Lam has enjoyed the transition the more he has got to know his team-mates, coaches and the city of Wellington.

The growing comfort he found within the squad and his living environment, coupled with being injury free, was reflected in his 2018 form when he scored 16 tries, more than any other Hurricanes player had managed in a single season.

That success brought with it expectation and attention, the latter not something he has craved.

To counter that extra attention Lam said he tries to get away from rugby as much as he could.

“I’ve been diving a lot, there are a lot of good spots around here,” he said.

 “Plum (head coach John Plumtree) is always suggesting new spots so I try and give them a go. It’s always good to dive for food or just see what’s under there.”

His form has continued to be strong in 2019 as he sits in the leading group of players achieving the most run metres for the Hurricanes while he has crossed for four tries.

* Join the Hurricanes at Our House, Westpac Stadium for Family Day (early 5.15pm kick off) against the Rebels. Use code 515 to receive 30% off all tickets. Click HERE to purcahse tickets!

300 children will receive a complimentary Hurricanes drink bottle in the Bluebridge Family Zone!