NOLA Gold have added more size to their forward pack with the signing of Liam Hallam-Eames on a two-year deal through the 2024 Major League Rugby season. The 27-year-old lock stands 6’6″ (1.99m) and tips the scales at 255lbs (116kg). He arrives from Northland in New Zealand.
Hallam-Eames made his senior provincial debut with Manawatu in 2016, and stayed with the Turbos until signing with Jersey Reds of the RFU Championship in 2019. The following year he joined Auckland, and then in 2021 made the switch to the Taniwha.
This season was something of a breakthrough campaign for Hallam-Eames. He was a late call-up to the Crusaders squad and made his Super Rugby debut as a replacement against the Western Force. Hallam-Eames then started 8 of 10 games for Northland in the NPC.
MLR fans might recall his name from a previous announcement. Hallam-Eames initially signed with the San Diego Legion ahead of the 2019 season, but after experiencing visa complications he instead opted for the move to Jersey. He joins Billy Stewart, Cam Dolan, and William Waguespack as primary second row options for the Gold in 2023.