Wallaby Salakaia-Loto to join Northampton

| March 1, 2022

Northampton have announced the signing of Australia second row forward Lukhan Salakaia-Loto for the 2022-23 season.

The 6ft 6in lock, who can also play in the back row, has won 30 caps for the Wallabies and will arrive at Franklin’s Gardens at the end of the current Super Rugby campaign.

Saints’ incoming director of rugby Phil Dowson said: “First and foremost, Lukhan is a big man and a phenomenal athlete, who in the line-out can both jump and call as well.

“From a set-piece point of view that’s a massive feather in his cap as he can get in the air in attack and in defence.

“But he’s also got a fantastic skillset with a background in rugby league. He’s fast and has got the ability to move and offload the ball too, so he possesses all the credentials he needs to be a real handful in the Premiership.

“He’s still a young man at 25, but is really highly regarded within the Australian environment and comes to Franklin’s Gardens with international experience – so he’s a very exciting signing for us and I’m sure he will add a huge amount to the group.”

Salakaia-Loto has made 64 appearances in Super Rugby since making his debut with Queensland Reds in 2016 and played for Australia in the 2019 World Cup.

Born in Auckland of Samoan descent but brought up in Sydney he was first capped by the Wallabies in 2017. 

“I’ve heard that Franklin’s Gardens is an amazing place to play rugby and for a long time now, I have wanted to test myself in the northern hemisphere,” he said.

“The Northampton squad is already filled with talent and I’m just looking forward to getting over to England later this year to try to develop my game, and help the team win some trophies.

“This is a fantastic opportunity for me and my family, so I can’t wait to pull on a Black, Green and Gold jersey for the first time.”