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James Ramm targets Test rugby as Northampton exit is confirmed
By Neil Fissler
James Ramm is targeting silverware after calling time on his Northampton Saints career to return to Australia to join the Western Force.
Ramm, 27, has spent the last four seasons at Franklin’s Gardens and has made 68 appearances for the club and is understood to have rejected Newcastle Red Bulls and Exeter Chiefs to join the Force.
He scored two tries on his Saints debut against London Irish after signing from the NSW Waratahs and says that it felt like the right time to return to Australia.
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“My time at Saints has been the most enjoyable period of my career so far. I’ve absolutely loved being in Northampton.
“From the moment I arrived, the club, the people, the players and the coaches have all made it such a positive experience, and I’ve got nothing but good things to say about my time here.
“The rugby has obviously been a huge part of that, but what really stands out for me is the environment. You come into training every day, and there’s a real energy about the place.
“Everyone wants to improve, but you’re also enjoying the work and having fun together. That’s a credit to the group and to the coaches, and it’s something I’ll miss a lot.
“Now, though, it feels like the right time for my wife and I to head home. We’ve spent four years here, reached some big milestones together and built memories we’ll always cherish.
“But returning to Australia and starting the next chapter of our lives is something we’re really looking forward to. I’ll thank the boys and the staff properly myself, but I do want to say how much the Saints family has meant to me.
“The supporters have been incredibly welcoming from day one, and playing at cinch Stadium has been a special experience. The messages after games and the support around town have made this a brilliant place to play rugby.
“I’m not finished here yet, though. We’re still competing on multiple fronts, and my focus is fully on giving everything I can for this team right until the end. To finish by winning more silverware would be the perfect way to sign off.”
Saints’ director of rugby, Phil Dowson, says that the club now need to give Ramm the send-off that he deserves before taking up what’s believed to be a two-year deal with the Force.
“James has been an excellent player for Northampton Saints and has been fully committed to what we’ve been building here. He’s played a significant role in our success over the past few seasons and has consistently given everything for the club.
“On the field, his quality is clear to see. He’s strong in the air, quick, skilful, and has a real instinct for finding space. His defensive work has developed impressively during his time with us, and his kicking game adds another important dimension. He’s a very good rugby player and someone we’ve been fortunate to have in our back three.
“Off the field, James has also been a real asset to our group. He’s proactive, thoughtful and a natural leader, and he’s contributed a huge amount to the environment we pride ourselves on here – whether that’s bringing players together away from training or helping drive the cohesion within the squad. Those things matter, and he’s been outstanding in that respect.
“James’ desire to return home was a strong factor in his decision, as was his long-term ambition to play international rugby for Australia. He’s had positive conversations there, and we fully support him in that next step – we’d be delighted to see him pull on a Wallabies shirt in the future.
“There’s still plenty of rugby for James to play in Black, Green and Gold before the end of the season, and our focus now is on finishing strongly together. He’s a hugely valued member of this squad, and we want to make sure we give him the send-off his contribution to Saints deserves,” he said.
