Dowson delighted as 'talented footballer' Pater signs new Saints deal
Phil Dowson expressed his delight after 'calm, unfazed and remarkably composed' full-back James Pater signed a new deal at Saints.
The 19-year-old, who has also featured on the wing and at fly-half this season, made his senior debut in May 2025, appearing in Saints’ final Gallagher PREM match of the 2024/25 season while still a student at Leys School.
Pater has since graduated from Saints’ Academy into the senior squad, going on to make a further seven appearances across all competitions during his first term of professional rugby, scoring 32 points in the process.
With club captain George Furbank joining Harlequins this summer, Pater is set to be afforded even more opportunities to shine next season and beyond.
And Dowson couldn't be happier to be keeping hold of the England Under-20s star.
“We’re delighted to keep James with us at Saints," the Saints boss said.
"He’s incredibly fast and dynamic, and the way he’s stepped up to play fly-half in the PREM Rugby Cup during his first year as a full-time member of the senior squad has really shown what a talented footballer he is.
“James always looks like he has time on the ball. He reads space exceptionally well, he’s strong under the high ball, his passing is top quality, he’s not afraid to carry the ball into contact or take defenders on, and he finds gaps you don’t think are there.
“He’s brave defensively too, and while there are still technical aspects we can continue to develop, the courage and intent are already in abundance, which gives us plenty to work with.
“He’s a great example of someone who has come through our Academy system. (Saints head of Academy) Mark Hopley spotted his potential early on and identified him as a player who could really kick on, and we’ve been delighted with the progress he’s made over the past year.
“His performances for England Under-20s have been exceptional, winning man-of-the-match awards and consistently making line breaks. Just as impressive, though, is his demeanour. He’s calm, unfazed and remarkably composed for someone so young.
“His communication and leadership within the group have stood out from the very start of pre-season. For a first-year professional, that’s gold – and his ceiling is incredibly high.”