Peter Larter

Saints Number: #1321
Saints Career: 1964-1980
Appearances: 132
Position: Second row

Career Statistics

Tries: 4
Conversions: 55
Penalties: 67
Total Points: 323

Representative Honours

England (24 caps)
British & Irish Lions (1968 South Africa)
Royal Air Force
Combined Services

Hall of Fame

Inducted: 2022

Peter Larter

Peter Larter was one of the most distinctive forwards of his generation, combining international-class second-row play with the unusual ability to contribute heavily from the kicking tee.

Born in Devon, Larter made his Saints debut in 1964 and went on to make 132 appearances across a 16-year association with Northampton. An excellent all-round sportsman, he also excelled at basketball and boxing, becoming an area boxing champion.

Despite his ring credentials, Larter developed a reputation as a gentle giant. He once reflected on his sporting outlook by saying: “Basically rugby is a skilful ball game which I enjoyed and I liked the physical side, but if I wanted to raise my fist in anger all the time, I would have taken up boxing.”

Although he crossed for only four tries during his Northampton career, Larter was a remarkably accomplished left-footed goal-kicker for a lock forward. His 55 conversions and 67 penalties helped him accumulate 323 points, an unusual tally for a second row.

Alongside his club rugby, Larter represented the Royal Air Force on 20 occasions and also played for Combined Services. Uniquely, he remains the only player to appear in an inter-services fixture across three different decades.

At international level he won 24 England caps and scored his only Test try against South Africa at Twickenham in 1969, helping secure England’s first-ever victory over the Springboks. A year earlier he had toured South Africa with the British & Irish Lions, playing in the drawn second Test alongside the legendary Willie John McBride.

Following retirement, Larter remained closely involved with the Club and later served as Northampton Saints President. His Hall of Fame induction in 2022 recognised a career that combined distinguished service to club, country and the armed forces.

Hall of Fame profiles have been researched and compiled, with the Club’s grateful thanks, by the volunteers of Northampton Saints Foundation’s Heritage Department – whose work helps preserve and share the rich history of Northampton Saints.