Rae started his rugby career playing at Northampton Saints after coming up through their academy.[4] He made his debut in 2005.[1] He signed a full-time contract with them in 2007, however he only made 12 appearances with 2 starts while at Northampton Saints. In 2009, he was loaned out to Nottingham R.F.C.[5] and later in the year moved to Bedford Blues[6] and was named as the vice-captain in the 2011–12 season, being named as captain when James Pritchard was playing at the 2011 Rugby World Cup.[7] In 2012 he played for Saracens F.C. on dual registration with Bedford Blues.[8] In 2013 he was loaned to English Premiership side London Wasps so that Rae could play top flight rugby. London Wasps also paid compensation to Bedford Blues for the loan.[9] In August 2013, Rae left Bedford Blues and moved to Jersey R.F.C.. Upon signing, he was given the captaincy of Jersey for the 2013-14 RFU Championship season.[10] In May 2014, it was announced that Jersey had retained Rae for the 2014-15 RFU Championship season.[11]