The Leys School rugby signing

A Sixth Form pupil at The Leys School in Cambridge has made his first professional signing for Northampton Saints after a spectacular rugby season

James Pater, Upper Sixth pupil at The Leys, has signed his first professional contract with the Northampton Saints. This milestone comes after representing England U18 in the Six Nations this year, earning caps for England U19 and leading The Leys to victory in the Uppingham Sevens tournament earlier this term. “It is a dream come true,” he says.

James joined The Leys in Year 7, where he was introduced to rugby. Having previously excelled in football, he quickly adapted his skills and became one of the best players in his year, earning the title of Year 8 Player of the Season. Despite the pandemic interrupting his progress, he played a key role in taking the U16 team to the semi-finals of the Rosslyn Park Sevens Tournament in Year 11.

His performance at Rosslyn Park caught the attention of Northampton Saints, who invited him to join their Academy in 2023. Subsequently, he was noticed by England Rugby and invited to attend the U17 Development Camp in 2024. Since attending the camp, James has been selected to play for England U18s in the 2025 Six Nations Tournament and has also been capped for England U19s, all while continuing to play in the Saints Academy.

The Leys School theleys.net

Further reading: Stephen Perse student is on target