Northampton Saints today confirm that scrum-half Tom James will leave the Club at the end of the current season, joining Saracens ahead of the 2026/27 campaign.
James departs cinch Stadium at Franklin’s Gardens having made 112 appearances in Black, Green and Gold, scoring 119 points – including 23 tries – so far during a seven-season spell with the Club.
The 32-year-old joined Saints in the summer of 2020 from Doncaster Knights, stepping up to the Gallagher PREM for the first time in his career. He departs Northampton with a league winners’ medal to his name, more than a century of appearances for the Club, and having appeared off the bench in last season’s Investec Champions Cup Final.
“My time at Saints has gone incredibly quickly,” said James. “This is my seventh season here, and I leave with so many special memories, feeling incredibly privileged to have played for such a special Club during such a successful period.
“I arrived as a 25-year-old who had never played at the highest level, and I feel I’ve developed hugely during my time here. That is a real credit to the coaches and performance staff, who backed me, challenged me and gave me the opportunity to grow as a player.
“While this feels like the right time to take on a new challenge, leaving this group and the environment we’ve built at Saints is incredibly difficult. I’ve made friends for life, tons of special memories and connections, and feel proud knowing the Club is in an even better place than when I arrived.
“Playing in front of such passionate supporters and being part of the Northampton community – particularly contributing where I could to the incredible impact of Northampton Saints Foundation – has meant a great deal to me, and I remain fully focused on finishing this season strongly and hopefully adding more silverware before I move on.”
Following impressive spells in the Champ with both Doncaster and Bedford Blues, as well as in National One with Loughborough Students, James arrived in Northampton in 2020.
The scrum-half had previously represented England Students in 2016, and made his senior Saints debut against London Irish in late 2020 – shortly after rugby resumed following the pandemic shutdown – quickly establishing himself as a reliable and trusted member of Saints’ playing group.
James opened his try-scoring account for the Club on his European debut, crossing in the Investec Champions Cup against Leinster in Dublin, and has regularly contributed valuable points throughout his time in Northampton.
Renowned for his tactical kicking, crisp service, and professionalism, James’ consistency and work ethic have seen him selected for Saints’ biggest fixtures in recent seasons – including appearances off the bench in both the Gallagher PREM Final in 2024 and the Investec Champions Cup Final in 2025.
His 50th appearance for Northampton came in a hard-fought 19-18 victory over Leicester Tigers in January 2023, while James brought up his century for the Club in Dublin in 2025 as Saints defeated Leinster in an unforgettable Champions Cup semi-final.
Saints’ Director of Rugby, Phil Dowson, said: “TJ has been right at the heart of everything that’s been good about Saints over the last few years.
“He arrived from Doncaster hungry, determined to prove himself at PREM level, and he’s done exactly that. His performances on the pitch have been top quality, but just as importantly, his buy‑in off the pitch has been exceptional.
“He’s a tough, tenacious competitor, hugely popular within the group, and someone whose attitude has been exemplary whether he’s starting matches or coming off the bench. Competing with one of the best scrum‑halves in the world here never fazed him – he’s always focused on improving himself and contributing to the team.
“Add to that the quiet, passionate and selfless work he’s done with the Foundation, and it tells you everything about his character and the man he is. We’ll look to send him off in style at the end of this season, and wish him all the best for the future when the time comes.”
Away from the pitch, James has also made a meaningful contribution to the local community through his role as a Programme Ambassador for Northampton Saints Foundation.
Actively involved in the Saints Inside programme, James made regular visits to HMP Highpoint to share his knowledge of training, mindset and professionalism to inspire participants – helping them build confidence, gain qualifications and prepare for life beyond custody.
“Not only has TJ been an outstanding player for Saints, he has also gone above and beyond to leave a genuine and lasting legacy through his work with the Foundation,” added Jordan Letts, Chief Executive of Northampton Saints Foundation.
“TJ’s impact will be felt far beyond the pitch. Through countless visits to HMP Highpoint as part of our Saints Inside programme, he has given his time to support men rebuilding their lives, showing real compassion, leadership and a belief that there is always a way forward.
“He has represented the values of Saints with humility and authenticity, and for that we are incredibly grateful. TJ will always be part of the Foundation family, and we wish him every success in the next chapter of his journey.”