Northampton sign two props, including 'raw' Italian international

Northampton’s Italian connection has been strengthened further with the signature of Azzurri international Ion Neculai.

Neculai is the second Italian international to sign for the Saints this summer, following wing Malik Faissal, who made his Test debut against Japan in the Nations Championship and won his second cap against New Zealand a week later.

With Danilo Fischetti and Edoardo Todaro already in the squad, it makes for a four-strong Italian contingent at Franklin’s Gardens.

Neculai, a Moldovan-born tight-head, joins Saints from Zebre Parma, where he made 51 appearances across five seasons.

He is not the first Moldovan to play rugby in the PREM, that honour belongs to former Sale Sharks prop, Vadim Cobilas.

Having made a return to the Test arena last month after a four-year absence, Neculai sees the move to the Gallagher PREM as another hugely positive step in his career.

“I’m very excited to be joining a club with the history and reputation of Northampton Saints,” said Neculai.

“To have the opportunity to test myself in this environment, with the reigning Gallagher PREM champions, is something I’m really looking forward to.

“The quality of the coaching, the facilities and the players around me were all major factors in my decision. I believe this is the right place for me to continue developing my game and challenge myself at the highest level.

“I want to make the most of this opportunity, work hard every day, and do everything I can to help the team succeed.

“I’m excited to get started, meet the supporters and be part of what Saints are building here.”

Born in Chisinau, Moldova, Neculai moved to Italy at a young age and progressed through the ranks with Elba Rugby and I Cavalieri before joining Zebre in 2021 at the age of 20.

Neculai also represented Italy Under-20s in 2020 and 2021, and then Italy A before he made the step up to the senior international squad.

The following season, Neculai was included in Italy’s squad for their summer tour and made his Test debut against Portugal before featuring against Romania and Georgia.

The 25-year-old earned his fourth Italy cap last month in Perth, coming off the bench alongside Fischetti as the Azzurri faced Australia.

Saints’ Director of Rugby, Phil Dowson, added: “Ion is a very physical prop who enjoys the tough side of the game. He wants to improve, he’s eager to be coached, and he’s determined to play more international rugby.

“What stood out when we watched him was his physicality and aggression, but also the amount of potential he has.

“He’s still a relatively raw player, but he has the right intent and a real desire to get better. That’s something we place a huge value on when we’re recruiting players.

“From the conversations we’ve had and seeing him settle into Northampton last week, he comes across as a very good person who isn’t afraid of hard work.

“I spoke to [Italy Head Coach] Gonzalo Quesada about Ion, and he was hugely positive. Gonzalo has been brilliant to work with around Danilo Fischetti and Edoardo Todaro, always open and helpful, and he spoke very highly of Ion. The fact he’s continued to back him at international level and selected him again this summer speaks for itself.

“Having a group of Italian players together within the wider squad is a positive too. You never want players to stay within their own circles, but having familiar faces around can help people settle more quickly and make Northampton feel like home.”

Meanwhile, Saints have confirmed the news announced over the weekend in Fissler Confidential, that Jordan Els joins Saints on short-term deal ahead of the 2026/27 campaign.

The experienced South African loosehead arrives from Harlequins, where he made 58 appearances across a seven-season spell in south-west London.

The 29-year-old’s former clubs also include Ealing Trailfinders, London Scottish and the URC’s Sharks.