Injury Blow: Northampton’s Rising Star Edoardo Todaro Sidelined with ACL Tear

Northampton Saints have been dealt a massive blow as breakout star Edoardo Todaro has been sidelined for the foreseeable future. The 19-year-old winger sustained a serious knee injury while on international duty during a training camp with Italy.

The Italian Rugby Federation confirmed the grim news via their official website, stating that diagnostic imaging revealed a torn cruciate ligament in Todaro’s right knee. The youngster is now set to return to Franklin’s Gardens to begin an extensive rehabilitation program managed by the Saints’ medical team in tandem with the Italian national setup.

Todaro has been nothing short of a sensation since signing his first professional contract this season. His clinical finishing saw him rack up 10 tries in just 13 appearances for Northampton, a feat made even more impressive considering he missed two games due to a suspension for an aerial challenge.

His explosive form in the Premiership didn't go unnoticed. After a string of high-profile scoring exploits, he earned a call-up to the senior Italian squad, making his Test debut off the bench against Chile in November.

The timing of the injury is particularly cruel for both player and country. Todaro had recently been named in the Azzurri’s squad for the upcoming Six Nations Championship and was widely expected to play a significant role in their campaign.

Born in Milan, Todaro moved to England at 14 to attend Ipswich School, where he was quickly scouted by the Saints’ academy. A prodigy in the Italian pathway, he represented his country at the Under-18 level when he was just 16, before moving on to the Under-20 Six Nations and World Cup circuits last year.

Northampton will now have to look for alternatives in their backline as they navigate the remainder of the season without one of their most potent attacking weapons.