After a successful trial while at Loughborough University, James Bennett signed a first professional contract with Northampton Saints ahead of the 2026/27 season.

Previously part of Saints’ Academy, Bennett was rediscovered by the Club while studying at Loughborough – where he represented both their BUCS Super Rugby and National Two sides.

The lock (who featured for Saints’ Under-18s in 2022) pulled on the Black, Green and Gold jersey once again in November 2025, coming off the bench against Harlequins in the PREM Rugby Cup to make his senior debut at Franklin’s Gardens.

The towering lock earned his first start the following weekend and went on to make two further appearances during the Cup campaign that term, which saw Northampton reach the quarter-finals.