The Western Force is delighted to
confirm the signing of Australian outside back James Ramm on a two-year
contract commencing from the 2027 Super Rugby Pacific season.
Ramm will return to Australia to join the Force after
spending the past four seasons in England with current Premiership Rugby league
leaders Northampton Saints where he has scored 31 tries in 68 appearances.
During his time in England, Ramm won the Saints’ 2023
Breakthrough Player and Players’ Player of the Season awards.
The 27-year-old, who can play wing and full-back,
previously spent three seasons with the NSW Waratahs, notching up 20 caps and
three tries after scoring on his Super Rugby debut in 2020.
The 191cm utility also played for the Junior Wallabies at
the 2018 World Rugby Under-20s Championship.
He is the latest Australian playing overseas who the
Force has lured back home, following on from Nic Dolly, Nick Champion de
Crespigny, Brandon Paenga-Amosa, Carlo Tizzano and Harry Potter.
Force head coach Simon Cron said: “One of the areas for
us to continue to grow our positional depth is in our back three. The fact they
are explosive athletes means it’s a position you need coverage.
“We have some great back three players but still
need to add as we know backline depth is so important.
“James has aspirations to play for Australia and he wants
to come home. Having known him before he left overseas, I was able to see his
commitment to his craft, he will fit in at the Force seamlessly.
“He is tall, athletic, good in the air and brings speed
and flair, so we think he’ll be a good fit. He’s really motivated, so we’re
excited to bring him back to Australia.”
Ramm said he was excited to join the Force later in the
year, drawn to the Club by what it’s building.
“I’m extremely excited to be joining the Force next
season and relocating to Perth with my wife, Ally,” Ramm said.
“After talking to many of the boys and staff
currently at the club, it is clear that there is a strong culture, a drive for
success and a genuine belief in what this group can achieve. The
opportunity to play a role in what the club is building is something that
really excites me.
“The prospect of a home Rugby World Cup is
incredibly motivating. Representing your country on home soil in front of
family and friends, in my eyes, is the pinnacle of any Aussie rugby players
career. But I know that selection starts with consistent performances at Super
Rugby level, and that’s where my full attention will be.
“My immediate focus will be on contributing to a
strong Super Rugby campaign and doing everything I can to help the team
succeed.”
Reflecting on his time at Northampton, Ramm added:
“My time at the Saints has been pivotal in my development, both as a
player and as a man. I’ve been fortunate to experience different coaching
philosophies and styles of play, whilst earning the opportunity to take part in
some of the biggest matches in the northern hemisphere.
“That exposure has broadened my understanding of the
game and I feel like I’m returning to Australia more complete, with valuable
experience that I’m eager to contribute to the Force environment.”
James Ramm
DOB: 30/4/1998
Place of birth: Sydney, NSW
Height: 191cm
Position: Wing/Full-back
Club history
Super Rugby debut: Round 3 2020 v ACT Brumbies, Sydney
(NSW Waratahs)
Super Rugby caps: 20
Northampton Saints (2022- , 68 caps, 31 tries)
NSW Waratahs (2020-2022, 20 caps, 3 tries)