England starlet signs new contract at PREM Rugby club

The 18-year-old, who has also featured on the wing and at fly-half this term, made his senior debut in May 2025 in Saints’ final Gallagher PREM fixture of the 2024/25 campaign while still a pupil at The Leys School.

Since then, Pater has progressed from the Academy into the senior squad, making seven additional appearances across all competitions in his first professional season and registering 32 points.

“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.

“The environment here is exactly where I want to be – a group that enjoys each other’s company and coming to work together, but also switches on and demands high standards.

“I want to keep contributing, keep pushing for more minutes across the PREM and beyond, and hopefully that leads to international recognition beyond England Under-20s in the future.

"It’s every player’s dream to play for their country at senior level, and hopefully one day I can do that.”

Pater began his rugby journey at Shelford RFC before joining Saints’ Developing Player Programme at Under-16 level.

He gained wider recognition during his time at The Leys School, finishing as the top try-scorer at the Rosslyn Park National Schools Sevens.

He continued to rise through the ranks, playing a key role in Saints’ Academy League triumph in 2025 and becoming a regular for England Under-18s.

At just 18, Pater earned his senior debut—becoming Saint #2110—off the bench against Gloucester Rugby in the final match of the 2024/25 season.

Earlier this campaign, he scored his first senior try in the PREM Rugby Cup against Harlequins and added his first points from the tee in the same competition versus Leicester Tigers.

His first senior start at fly-half came in the return Cup fixture against Tigers at cinch Stadium at Franklin’s Gardens, where he scored one of six tries and successfully converted five.

Soon after, he demonstrated his composure again by kicking a late, match-winning penalty against Saracens.

On the international stage, Pater has featured for England Under-20s this season, including a 19–16 victory over Wales at cinch Stadium at Franklin’s Gardens, where his decisive kicking proved crucial.

Back in domestic action, he made his first Gallagher PREM start in March against Newcastle Red Bulls. Director of Rugby Phil Dowson expressed his enthusiasm about the youngster’s future.

He said: “We’re delighted to keep James with us at Saints. He’s incredibly fast and dynamic, and the way he’s stepped up to play fly-half in the PREM Rugby Cup during his first year as a full-time member of the senior squad has really shown what a talented footballer he is.

“James always looks like he has time on the ball. He reads space exceptionally well, he’s strong under the high ball, his passing is top quality, he’s not afraid to carry the ball into contact or take defenders on, and he finds gaps you don’t think are there.

“He’s brave defensively too, and while there are still technical aspects we can continue to develop, the courage and intent are already in abundance – which gives us plenty to work with.

“He’s a great example of someone who has come through our Academy system. Mark Hopley spotted his potential early on and identified him as a player who could really kick on, and we’ve been delighted with the progress he’s made over the past year.

“His performances for England Under-20s have been exceptional, winning man-of-the-match awards and consistently making line breaks. Just as impressive, though, is his demeanour. He’s calm, unfazed, and remarkably composed for someone so young.

“His communication and leadership within the group have stood out from the very start of preseason. For a first-year professional, that’s gold – and his ceiling is incredibly high.”