Saints boss Dowson would love to see departing Ramm represent Australia
Phil Dowson says everyone at Saints would love to see James Ramm represent Australia after the popular back made the decision to return home at the end of this season.
Ramm will be joining Western Force this summer, having spent four largely successful campaigns in Northampton.
The 27-year-old has become a key figure for the black, green and gold, who he helped to claim Gallagher PREM glory in 2024.
He started as he meant to go on with Saints, marking his debut by scoring twice against London Irish in 2022.
Ramm made his Gallagher PREM bow two months later and scored his first league try away to Gloucester, before being named the club’s player of the month for November – an early indication of his consistency and impact.
Since then, Ramm has surpassed 50 appearances for the club and he had accumulated more than 100 points by the end of the 2024/25 campaign.
He was also recognised with the 2022/23 breakthrough player and players’ player of the season awards following his first term in Northampton.
And Saints boss Dowson has nothing but good things to say about Ramm, who has expressed his desire to return to Australia to fight for a place in the Wallabies squad.
“James has been an excellent player for Northampton Saints and has been fully committed to what we’ve been building here," Dowson said.
"He’s played a significant role in our success over the past few seasons and has consistently given everything for the club.
“On the field, his quality is clear to see. He’s strong in the air, quick, skilful, and has a real instinct for finding space.
"His defensive work has developed impressively during his time with us, and his kicking game adds another important dimension.
"He’s a very good rugby player and someone we’ve been fortunate to have in our back three.
“Off the field, James has also been a real asset to our group. He’s proactive, thoughtful and a natural leader, and he’s contributed a huge amount to the environment we pride ourselves on here – whether that’s bringing players together away from training or helping drive the cohesion within the squad. Those things matter, and he’s been outstanding in that respect.
“James’s desire to return home was a strong factor in his decision, as was his long-term ambition to play international rugby for Australia. He’s had positive conversations there, and we fully support him in that next step – we’d be delighted to see him pull on a Wallabies shirt in the future.
“There’s still plenty of rugby for James to play in black, green and gold before the end of the season, and our focus now is on finishing strongly together.
"He’s a hugely valued member of this squad, and we want to make sure we give him the send-off his contribution to Saints deserves.”