Former Waratahs outside back James Ramm has decided to come home. Turning down the opportunity to represent England to chase his dream of playing for the Wallabies at the Rugby World Cup 2027. The 27-year-old has signed a two-year deal with Rugby Australia and the Western Force.
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Or will return to Australia at the end of the current English Premiership season. Ramm has been one of the standout performers for Northampton Saints over the past three-and-a-half years. Establishing himself as a dynamic winger and fullback in one of Europe’s toughest competitions.
Despite his success overseas and strong interest from England, the Sydney product has chosen to recommit to Australian rugby. There is even a chance Ramm could feature in Wallabies contention as early as July.
Wallabies coach Joe Schmidt personally met with him while touring England in November. As part of a deliberate effort by Rugby Australia to reconnect with overseas-based players and encourage them to return home.
Physically, Ramm brings an imposing presence. At 193cm and 100kg, he combines height, power and speed with a background in gymnastics that gives him exceptional aerial ability and body control. Those traits could be crucial for the Wallabies, who struggled badly under contestable kicks during last year’s Spring Tour.
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Rugby World Cup: From Injury Setbacks to English Success
Opponents repeatedly targeted Australia’s back three with high balls. Exposing a weakness that has become increasingly costly in the modern game. Ramm’s journey to this point has not been straightforward. He debuted for the NSW Waratahs in 2020 after rising through the ranks at Randwick.
However, his time in Super Rugby was heavily disrupted by injury. Over four seasons, he managed just 21 appearances, battling a series of hamstring, groin, shoulder, rib and ankle issues. His most promising stretch came in 2020, when he impressed enough to earn selection in the wider Wallabies squad under then-coach Dave Rennie.
Unfortunately, more injuries derailed much of 2021 and nearly all of 2022. Seeking a fresh start and consistent game time, Ramm moved to England and joined Northampton Saints ahead of the 2022–23 season.
The move proved transformative. Almost immediately, Ramm flourished in the Premiership. His attacking flair, ability to win high balls and knack for producing highlight-reel moments made him a fan favourite.
In his first season, he won the club’s players’ player award, a testament to the respect he earned from teammates. The following year, he played a key role in Northampton’s Premiership title triumph, and last season he helped guide the team to the Champions Cup final.
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Rugby World Cup Final: Schmidt’s Overseas Strategy Pays Off
Just as importantly, Ramm finally enjoyed a prolonged run of good health. Across three-and-a-half seasons, he played 68 matches, a level of consistency that had eluded him in Australia. He even captained the Saints at times, further underlining his growth as a leader and a player.
Because of residency rules, Ramm became eligible to represent England at the Test level. And national coach Steve Borthwick reportedly made several approaches about the possibility of him pulling on the red rose. For many players, the chance to play international rugby in such circumstances would be hard to resist.
However, Schmidt and Rugby Australia maintained regular contact with Ramm throughout his time abroad. The governing body has made it a clear priority to stay connected with Australians overseas, hoping to lure them back ahead of the Rugby World Cup 2027 on home soil.
In recent years, players such as Pete Samu, Mat Philip, Folau Faingaa and Nick Champion de Crespigny have returned under similar circumstances. For Ramm, the pull of representing his home country ultimately outweighed other factors, including reports that he turned down a significantly more lucrative offer to remain at Northampton.
He also held discussions with the ACT Brumbies before deciding to join the Force. Schmidt recently grouped Ramm alongside several high-profile Wallabies currently playing overseas, signalling how highly he rates him.
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