Saints sign Italy prop Ion Neculai

Northampton Saints today announce the signing of Ion Neculai ahead of the 2026/27 season, with the tighthead prop joining the Club from Zebre Parma.

The Moldovan-born Italy international arrives at Franklin’s Gardens after making 51 appearances across five seasons for Zebre, and linked up with his new teammates last week as Saints returned for preseason training.

Neculai follows former Zebre teammates Malik Faissal and Danilo Fischetti to Northampton, and is excited to make the move to the home of the reigning Gallagher PREM champions.

“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 Chișinău, 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. He made his senior debut against the Lions in the opening round of that season’s United Rugby Championship.

Neculai also represented Italy Under-20s in 2020 and 2021, earning eight caps and scoring three tries. His performances at age-group level led to selection for 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.”

Jordan Els joins Saints on short-term deal

South African prop Jordan Els also joins Saints ahead of the 2026/27 campaign on a short-term contract.

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

Having also represented Ealing Trailfinders, London Scottish and the URC’s Sharks, Els adds valuable experience to Saints’ front-row options as the squad prepares for the new campaign.

The 29-year-old linked up with his new teammates at Franklin’s Gardens last week as Saints returned for preseason training.