Faith of coaches has been massive for Pater as he signs new Saints contract
James Pater says the trust the Saints coaches have put in him at such a young age was a key reason for him signing a new contract with the club.
The 19-year-old has committed his future to the black, green and gold, which comes as a real boost with George Furbank departing for Harlequins this summer.
Pater looks to be a long-term successor to Furbank at full-back, while also being capable of playing at fly-half and on the wing.
“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,” Pater said.
“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."
Pater originally came through the ranks at Shelford RFC before joining Saints’ Developing Player Programme at Under-16 level.
He announced himself on the national stage at the Rosslyn Park National Schools 7s for Leys School, where he finished as the tournament’s leading try-scorer.
His continued progression through Saints’ pathway saw Pater help the club lift the Academy League title in 2025, while also becoming a regular feature for England Under-18s.
Pater became Saint #2110 at just 18 years old when he came off the bench in the final outing of the 2024/25 season, away to Gloucester.
A maiden senior try followed earlier this season in the PREM Rugby Cup against Harlequins, before he landed his first points from the tee in the same competition against Leicester Tigers.
The young back made his first senior start at fly-half in the return cup fixture against Tigers at cinch Stadium at Franklin’s Gardens, scoring one of Saints’ six tries on the day and converting five of them.
His composure from the tee was again on display shortly afterwards, as Pater kicked a late match-winning conversion in the victory over Saracens.
On the international stage, Pater has represented England Under-20s this season, including featuring at the Gardens as England defeated Wales 19-16, when another decisive kick from the boot of the Saints full-back proved the difference.
Back in club action, Pater made his first start in the Gallagher PREM when Saints hosted Newcastle Red Bulls in March.
And he continues to learn from his team-mates as he looks to fully establish himself in the Saints first team.
“The squad here is hugely talented," Pater said. "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.”