James Ramm: Former Randwick Rugby winger stars for Northampton Saints in Premiership Rugby

Just 12 months ago the talented 24-year-old was playing for the NSW Waratahs, but in April made the bold move to take his talents to Northampton Saints in the Premiership Rugby competition, the top division of professional rugby union in England.

The move paid dividends when Ramm had a starring role in the Saints’ crucial derby victory over defending champions Leicester Tigers, which saw him crowned Man of the Match.

Ramm, who began his rugby career at St Joseph’s College, Hunters Hill, told the Southern Courier how was “absolutely loving” the sea change.

“I’ve loved the opportunity to play at fullback over here and have enjoyed being able to showcase a wider range of skills,” he said.

“But the way that Saints play means that no matter what number you have on your back, you’re given licence to play the way that best suits you. All the ‘back three’ players find themselves on each-others wings or at fullback throughout the game, so it is all very interchangeable.

“I think the coaching staff put such an emphasis on expressing yourself out on the field and really [playing to] your strengths. They encourage us to go off script [and] really make it clear that our structure is there to fall back on when we need it.”

While playing at Randwick Ramm’s talents were identified by the NSW Waratahs where he was signed in 2019 and quickly became a defender’s nightmare, notching three tries and 14 try assists in his two seasons at the club.

But it was Ramm’s most recent performance for the Saints which has caught the attention of fans back in Australia.

The fullback picked the ball up at the halfway line and proceeded to run at the defence before an exquisite flick pass set up the winger – Ollie Sleightholme – to cross the line.

“I’d love to say that I had planned it all out but to be honest, there isn’t much going through your head in moments like that,” Ramm said.

“It’s just about playing and reacting to what you see and luckily enough that pass landed where I’d hoped.

“To win that derby, especially away from home, was so important for us as a group.

“The first game I heard about when arriving at Saints was the Leicester game, and about how much it means to the club, so to win in that fashion was an experience.

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“We had a couple of tough weeks leading up to that game and we were still yet to win away from home so it couldn’t have come at a better time.”

With 13 games already played this season, the Saints in fourth place, just inside the top four playoff spots and Ramm was confident the side can “go the whole way”.

“There is so much talent in the squad and with the weather hopefully starting to get a bit warmer and drier, I think we will be able to show why we deserve a spot in the top 4,” he said.

Originally published as James Ramm: Former Randwick Rugby winger stars for Northampton Saints in Premiership Rugby