Teenage Northampton Saints starlet James Pater is eager for another chance to impress heading into this weekend’s concluding PREM Rugby Cup pool stage showdown with Saracens.
While the men in Black, Green and Gold have qualified for the semi-final stage with a game to spare – the result of Saturday’s Round 6 visit of Saracens to cinch Stadium still holds significance in the seedings, which could secure Saints home advantage in the Final if they progress through their away last-four clash.
Pater shone for Saints in his last out in the PREM Cup when he excelled from the unfamiliar position of fly-half, before heading away with England to participate in the U20 Six Nations.
The 19-year-old is back with his clubmates during the international break week and he is keen for the opportunity to perform on what will be his seventh senior appearance for the Club.
“It’s another shot, another chance to play at Franklin’s Gardens and I won’t take that for granted,” Pater said. “I’m very happy to play.
Pater lit up cinch Stadium in that virtuoso display against their East Midlands rivals in January, kicking five conversions and scoring a try in a 40-22 home success.
He carried that good form into England U20 colours, starting all three games so far – including the opening round win over Wales in Northampton – before scoring a try in the victory against Scotland that followed.
“I’ve been getting really good minutes with the England U20s and now I’m back in the environment with Saints so I’m happy the last four weeks have gone well,” Pater added.
“Being with the U20s is a different environment and I enjoy it as well because it’s a lot of boys my age and you’re connecting with guys from different academies and learning how they like to do things, learning from different coaches as well.
“It’s kind of nice to get a different perspective on how you play for those weeks and it kind of feels almost like a refresh, which is quite nice.”
In his absence, Saints have marched into the knock-out stages with maximum points secured against Newcastle and Harlequins – and now Pater is keen to tackle the visiting Saracens side this weekend to pick up where he left off.
“The boys have been flying in the PRC so it’s good,” he said. “We are confident and we’re excited to rip into Sarries this weekend. It’s quite easy to step in again and it feels like I haven't been away so it's good. I’m a bit of a nause so I watch all the games while I'm away.”