Northampton Saints sign Italy prop Ion Neculai from Zebre Parma

Northampton Saints have signed Italian international tight-head prop Ion Neculai from Zebre Parma ahead of the 2026/27 Premiership season. The 25-year-old made 51 appearances across five seasons at Zebre and has four Italy caps, his latest off the bench against Australia in the Nations Championship. Director of rugby Phil Dowson called him "a very physical prop who enjoys the tough side of the game." Neculai has already joined pre-season training.