I can’t wait until the start of the season, says Ramm

After a successful first season with the men in Black, Gold and Green, James Ramm is ready and raring to go again for his second season at Northampton Saints.

The Australian utility back had a slow start to life in Northampton, with early injuries stalling his introduction to life at Saints. But the prolific tryscorer – who crossed the whitewash eight times in his debut season – turned his fortunes around once he got a run of games under his belt and ended the campaign with two cinch Player of the Month awards to his name, as well as scooping the Breakthrough and Players’ Player of the season gongs.

And with the 2023/24 season within touching distance, Ramm’s ready and raring to go again this term as he looks to add to his 19 appearances so far.

He said: "I can't wait, I’d love to play a game tomorrow. Everyone talks about the long season and how your bodies are all broken at the end of it and you’re ready for a rest.

"I'm looking at the pitch now and it looks impeccable. Everyone is really excited for this year. The recruits we've made are really class, they've filled gaps and the coaches have recruited to push the competition in spots. It makes everyone better.

"We're happy with where we're sitting at the moment."

Saints’ came up just short of reaching the final hurdle last season, losing out to eventual champions Saracens in the semi-finals. And though the squad are still disappointed to have fallen short of their goals, for the growth of the team as a whole, Ramm knows last season was still a success.

"From the start of the season to the end, we grew a lot as a team,” said the 25-year-old. “The combinations are really coming strong, and then with a few additions top four was our aim. We did that by the skin of our teeth, but we got there.

"Overall, it wasn't a bad season at all. It sets us up nicely for this year and for going that one step further."

And for Ramm, his performances in his fledgling season in Black, Green and Gold were pleasing on a personal level too – with the Australian settling into life in Northampton smoothly.

He continued: “I am very happy with how my season went and the main thing is that I feel like I've become a better player, which is the main reason I moved over here.

"There's always room for growth and this year it's about choosing a couple of specific areas that the coaches and I feel I can improve. After that I want to keep stepping forward.

"I feel very settled though. It's obviously a lot more familiar now because I remember this time last year, I was still meeting people and getting into the swing of things.

"But now it feels like home.”