Northampton Saints scrum half signs for Saracens for next PREM season

The 32-year-old joined Saints in the summer of 2020 from Doncaster Knights, stepping up to the Gallagher PREM for the first time in his career. He departs Northampton with a league winners’ medal to his name, more than a century of appearances for the Club, and having appeared off the bench in last season’s Investec Champions Cup Final.

“My time at Saints has gone incredibly quickly,” said James. “This is my seventh season here, and I leave with so many special memories, feeling incredibly privileged to have played for such a special Club during such a successful period.

“To win the PREM, play in a European final, and make over 100 appearances for a Club with so much history and tradition is something I will always be proud of.

“I arrived as a 25-year-old who had never played at the highest level, and I feel I’ve developed hugely during my time here. That is a real credit to the coaches and performance staff, who backed me, challenged me and gave me the opportunity to grow as a player.

“While this feels like the right time to take on a new challenge, leaving this group and the environment we’ve built at Saints is incredibly difficult. I’ve made friends for life, tons of special memories and connections, and feel proud knowing the Club is in an even better place than when I arrived.

“Playing in front of such passionate supporters and being part of the Northampton community – particularly contributing where I could to the incredible impact of Northampton Saints Foundation – has meant a great deal to me, and I remain fully focused on finishing this season strongly and hopefully adding more silverware before I move on.”

Following impressive spells in the Champ with both Doncaster and Bedford Blues, as well as in National One with Loughborough Students, James arrived in Northampton in 2020.

The scrum-half had previously represented England Students in 2016, and made his senior Saints debut against London Irish in late 2020 – shortly after rugby resumed following the pandemic shutdown – quickly establishing himself as a reliable and trusted member of Saints’ playing group.

James opened his try-scoring account for the Club on his European debut, crossing in the Investec Champions Cup against Leinster in Dublin, and has regularly contributed valuable points throughout his time in Northampton.

Renowned for his tactical kicking, crisp service, and professionalism, James’ consistency and work ethic have seen him selected for Saints’ biggest fixtures in recent seasons – including appearances off the bench in both the Gallagher PREM Final in 2024 and the Investec Champions Cup Final in 2025.

His 50th appearance for Northampton came in a hard-fought 19-18 victory over Leicester Tigers in January 2023, while James brought up his century for the Club in Dublin in 2025 as Saints defeated Leinster in an unforgettable Champions Cup semi-final.