James Pater signs new Northampton Saints deal

Northampton Saints have confirmed that England Under-20s fullback James Pater has signed a new contract to remain with the club beyond the current campaign.

James Pater Contract Extension Confirmed

Pater has enjoyed a strong breakthrough period at Northampton Saints after progressing through the club’s pathway system.

The 19-year-old has featured at fullback, wing and fly-half this season, underlining his versatility and value to the senior squad.

The young back made his senior debut in May 2025 in Saints’ final Gallagher PREM match of the 2024-25 season while still a student at Leys School. Since then, he has stepped up from the academy into the first-team setup.

James Pater Northampton Saints Career Progress

Pater has gone on to make seven more appearances across all competitions in his first full season of professional rugby, scoring 32 points.

He also registered his first senior try in the PREM Rugby Cup against Harlequins and later added his first points from the tee in the same competition against Leicester Tigers.

Originally coming through the ranks at Shelford RFC, Pater joined the Saints Developing Player Programme at Under-16 level. He gained wider attention during the Rosslyn Park National Schools Sevens for Leys School, where he finished as the competition’s top try-scorer.

England Under-20s Fullback Targets Next Step

Pater also helped Northampton Saints win the Academy League title in 2025 and became a regular part of the England Under-18s setup before moving on to England Under-20s recognition.

In his comments, he said staying at Saints was the right move for his development and praised the opportunities the club gives to young players.

“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".