Pat Lam signs up to play in Tankie’s Battle
The match is to raise funds for Paul Van-Zandvliet and associated good causes, with former team-mates rallying round to support the Newcastle great following his recent diagnosis of inoperable brain cancer.
Lam joins a list of former Falcons including Garath Archer, Gary Armstrong, Jim Naylor, Dean Ryan, Stuart Legg, Michael Stephenson, Micky Ward, Dave Walder, Carlo del Fava, Stuart Grimes, Jason Oakes and many more in taking on a North East Select XV, drawn drawn from clubs across the region.
Lam scored nine tries in 22 appearances during the Falcons’ 1997-98 title-winning season, part of a fearsome pack including North-East native Van-Zandvliet, before returning to the club in 2001 and playing a further 21 league games.
The former Samoan great is now director of rugby at Irish province Connacht, who are joint leaders of the Guinness Pro 12.
World Cup-winning fly-half Jonny Wilkinson will also be in attendance for the night but is not playing in the game, tickets available by calling 0871 226 6060, [**clicking here**][1] or from the stadium in person.
Entry is £10 or £20 for adults, with hospitality packages also available.
[1]: https://www.eticketing.co.uk/newcastle-falcons/details/event.aspx?itemref=2919
