After debuting for Northampton Saints against Gloucester Rugby in the final game of the 2024/25 at the age of just 17, James Pater graduated from the Club’s Academy system to sign his first professional contract ahead of the 2025/26 season. 

Pater joined Saints’ Developing Player Programme (DPP) as an Under-16 before exploding onto the scene at the Rosslyn Park 7s for Leys School, where he was the top try scorer across the whole tournament.

Originally with Shelford RFC, Pater’s progression at Northampton has seen him become an Academy League winner in 2025 as well as a regular for England Under-18s. This was followed by caps for his country at Under-19s level too. 

Pater’s eight appearances during the 2025/26 season saw him feature at fly-half and on the wing as well as his customary position at full-back and his first senior try came on his full debut against Harlequins in the PREM Rugby Cup in November 2025.

He performed well for England Under-20s during the 2026 Six Nations and was part of their squad that finished fourth at the World Rugby Under-20 Championship in Georgia.