James Pater

James Pater (born 2 July 2007) is an English rugby union footballer who plays for PREM Rugby club Northampton Saints. His preferred position is full-back.

Club career An alumni of The Leys School, Pater signed his first professional contract with Northampton Saints in June 2025, having first joined the club's academy system in 2022 having been spotted playing at the Rosslyn Park Sevens Tournament.

Pater came off the bench to make his senior debut in PREM Rugby away at Gloucester on the final day of the 2024–25 Premiership season. The following season, Pater had a try-scoring home debut for Northampton in the Premiership Rugby Cup in November 2025, in a 26–17 win over Harlequins. He went on to feature on the bench for Northampton in the Rugby Champions Cup against United Rugby Championship club Scarlets in January 2026.

Pater was announced for his first start at fly-half for Northampton in the Premiership Rugby Cup against Leicester Tigers on 31 January 2026, and was a try-scorer in a 40–22 victory, kicking five conversions.

International career Pater played age-group rugby union for England at under-18 and under-19 level. His performances included a breakaway try from full-back for England U18 against France U18 in April 2025.

In January 2026, he was called-up to the England under-20s team and that summer appeared at the 2026 World Rugby Junior World Championship.