Paterson's first introduction to rugby was in 1999 after returning from 8 years living in Budapest, Hungary where his father developed and directed an Agricultural Trading and Consultancy business.
He returned to Christchurch, his home town and enrolled in Medbury Intermediate School where he played for the First XV.
Paterson accepted a contract to the Canterbury Rugby Union – Crusaders in 2006 combined with a scholarship to the University of Lincoln College.
In 2007 he was selected for the New Zealand U21 team but suffered a minor knee injury so was unable to tour.
As part of the move south he also signed up with the Southland Stags in the newly named ITM rugby competition (Formally NPC).