Ramm to leave Northampton for Western Force

Versatile Northampton Saints winger James Ramm will join Australian Super Rugby side Western Force on a two-year deal at the end of the Prem season.

The 27-year-old helped Northampton to the Premiership title in 2024 and has so far scored 31 tries in 68 appearances during his four years at Franklin's Gardens.

He returns to his native Australia where he previously played for New South Wales Waratahs.

Ramm, who started in Saints' European Champions Cup final defeat by Bordeaux-Begles last season, says he feels it is the "right time" to "head home" as he attempts to break into the Australian side ahead of next year's World Cup being hosted there.

"The prospect of a home Rugby World Cup is incredibly motivating," Ramm told the Western Force website, external.

"Representing your country on home soil in front of family and friends, in my eyes, is the pinnacle of any Aussie rugby player's career.

"But I know that selection starts with consistent performances at Super Rugby level and that's where my full attention will be."

Still, Ramm says he is "not finished" with Saints, who are top of the Prem table and into the knockout stage in Europe's top competition.

"We're still competing on multiple fronts and my focus is fully on giving everything I can for this team right until the end," he told Northampton's website, external.

"To finish by winning more silverware would be the perfect way to sign off in Northampton."

Ramm's move to the Perth-based Force will see him reunited with head coach Simon Cron, who had a two-year spell working as an assistant coach at Waratahs when the winger was first emerging there.

"James has aspirations to play for Australia and he wants to come home," Cron told the club website.

"Having known him before he went overseas, I was able to see his commitment to his craft. He will fit in at the Force seamlessly."