Rugby World Cup 2027: James Ramm sets his sights on making the Australia squad

James Ramm is returning to Australia at the end of the season after four years with Northampton Saints to put himself in contention for next year’s Rugby World Cup.

The 28-year old back three player was part of the title winning squad two seasons ago and started the Champions Cup final against Bordeaux-Begles last year.

“The end of my time here is becoming more real,” said Ramm, who is joining Western Force.

“It was a tough decision to leave.”

Coach: Joe Schmidt

Next chapter

He added: “I have played in some cool stadiums and made connections with the boys here, something that differentiates Saints from a lot of other teams.

“My wife and I talked about what we wanted from the next chapter. We were always going to go back to Australia, it was merely a case of when.

“The pull of a home World Cup was a big factor in the decision. I felt that if I did not throw everything into it, I would regret it.

“Leaving this place was always going to be hard – it is like leaving your family.

“Once a decision is made I am pretty good at backing it, although packing up our stuff is hard having picked up so much.”

Heading home: Northampton Saints flyer James Ramm
PICTURES: Getty Images

Leap of faith

Ramm spoke to Australia coach Joe Schmidt and his successor Les Kiss, below, who will take over after next month’s three Nations Championship matches, before deciding to return home.

“I chatted to them when Australia were in London (in the autumn),” said Ramm. “Having that line of communication helped and they were a good sounding board.”

When Ramm arrived at Franklin’s Gardens in 2022 from the Waratahs, he was not giving up on the prospect of playing international rugby – his father, Simon, is from Devon and he has an English passport.

“My aim has always been to achieve high honours and in the last year or so I have thought about international rugby more,” said Ramm. “When I arrived here I did not know what to expect.

“It was a leap of faith and the experience has been incredible.

“I have learned so much about the game and one thing the Saints have taught me is to commit to your brand of rugby and do not go away from it.

“Back home, it would change a lot week-to-week depending on who we were playing but really committing to a style of play that fits your game builds an ethos and a personality.

“We express ourselves at Saints and the tries we score are a product of the way we train. A big phrase Sam Vesty (attack coach) throws about a lot is he would rather us be decisive than right.

“If we are all committed to a decision something will come from it more often than not.”

Renewing old acquaintances

Ramm’s path to the England squad was blocked in part by some of his colleagues at Northampton, Tommy Freeman and Ollie Sleightholme, and he may find himself renewing old acquaintances in the World Cup.

“It would be a weird experience,” he said. “There are incredible players in every Prem team and England have such a wealth of talent that whoever gets picked will be good.

“Australia didn’t have the best of World Cups in 2023 but the coaching staff has made a massive difference and Les coming in will be aligned with Joe.

“I am sure we will be at our best.”