Northampton Saints and England Under-20s fullback James Pater has penned a new contract to remain in Black, Green and Gold beyond the current campaign, the Club can today announce.
The 19-year-old – who has also featured on the wing and at fly-half for Saints this season – made his senior debut in May 2025, appearing in the Club’s final Gallagher PREM match of the 2024/25 season while still a student at Leys School.
Pater has since graduated from Saints’ Academy into the senior squad, and has gone on to make a further seven appearances across all competitions during his first term of professional rugby, scoring 32 points in the process.
“Being a local lad and coming through the Academy here has been an amazing experience, so I’m really happy to be staying on at Saints,” said Pater.
“The coaches have invested in me from an early stage and shown a lot of faith in me as a young player, which has been massive. Saints is the right place for me to develop, particularly because of the opportunities the Club gives to younger players.
“The chances I’ve already had this season have been incredible, and being trusted to put my name forward for more big games – even at my age – is something I couldn’t turn down.
“The squad here is hugely talented. This year I’ve been able to learn from the likes of George Furbank and George Hendy, who have followed the same Academy-to-first-team pathway, which is massive for my development. Watching that journey and seeing what’s possible really motivates me, it’s a well-trodden path here at Saints.
“I’ve also learned a lot from players who’ve come in from different backgrounds, like Anthony Belleau and Fin Smith. Understanding how they see the game and move the ball has helped me shape my own approach.