Northampton Saints have signed Italian international tight-head prop Ion Neculai from Italian club Zebre Parma.

The 25‑year‑old joins the Prem champions after five seasons with Zebre, where he made 51 appearances.

Neculai joins former Zebre team‑mate Malik Faissal in moving to Franklin’s Gardens this summer, while Danilo Fischetti transferred in 2025.

Neculai has four senior Italy caps, earning his latest last month in Perth when he came off the bench during his side’s 57-10 defeat against Australia in the Nations Championship.

Having linked up with his new team‑mates for pre‑season last week, Neculai said he wants to make the most of being at a club of Saints’ stature. “The quality of the coaching, the facilities and the players around me were all major factors in my decision,” he said.

“I believe this is the right place for me to continue developing my game and challenge myself at the highest level.”

Saints director of rugby Phil Dowson described Neculai as a “very physical prop who enjoys the tough side of the game”.