The same year Lamborn played as a loan player for North Otago in the Heartland Championship and this went a long way to securing him Magpies selection the next year. Last year Lamborn was named the Magpies MVP after the team won the ITM Cup Championship and this form propelled him to Hurricanes level.
This week Lamborn was selected in the United States Eagles team to play Italy in San Jose on June 18 and and Russia in Sacramento on June 25.
"I qualify because the old man [Jack Lamborn] was born in America. Although as a youngster my dream was always to play for the All Blacks, I always knew that if I really wanted to take my rugby to the next level I could always play for the USA," Lamborn explained.
"You look at the number sevens who are around at the moment who can be All Blacks. You've got the likes of Ardie Savea, Sam Cane, Matt Todd and that young fellah [Blake] Gibson in Auckland. They are better players than me.
"I have to be honest and humble about it and say 'look, I don't think I'm going to be an All Black'. I didn't want to be playing rugby another eight, nine years down the track and say 'why didn't I take the USA opportunity?"
Lamborn's Eagles selection is one of two major highlights in his life this month. A fortnight ago Lamborn and his wife Abby welcomed their first child, 2.322 kilogram son Jack, into the world.
"Jack was born on the Saturday morning and I came off the bench against the Reds that night," Lamborn recalled.
This was one of two Super Rugby appearances Lamborn has made to date this season. The other was in a win against the Rebels which leaves him two from two in competition fixtures.
Like fellow Magpie Mark Abbott, Lamborn missed out on the Canes team which will take on the Highlanders at Westpac Stadium in the capital tonight. Naturally he was confident about the hosts' chances of victory.
"The boys have been training hard and are very focused. There a bit of revenge involved and a bit of motivation," Lamborn said referring to the defending champions' 17-16 win against the Canes in round two.
Lamborn will have at least one familiar face in the Eagles team which will be coached by former All Blacks mentor John Mitchell. Lamborn's cousin, former Blues, North Harbour and Melbourne Rebels lock James King recently made his debut for the team.
"James just plays club footy these days but he's obviously still good enough to make the Eagles," Lamborn added before catching up on some well-deserved sleep while young Jack was in the same mode.
