New signing Fischetti: 'It's very special to be joining Northampton Saints'

The Italy loosehead prop will be making the move to Northampton from Zebre this summer.

He will help to fill the void left by Leicester Tigers-bound Tarek Haffar and will bring a huge amount of experience and talent to Saints.

The 27-year-old is Italy's first-choice loosehead and is club captain at Zebre.

Known for his speed and power in the loose as well as for his scrummaging prowess, Fischetti began his professional career with Rugby Calvisano while also gaining age-grade international experience with Italy Under-17s, Under-18s and Under-20s.

A move to Zebre beckoned in 2019, and Fischetti has spent six seasons in Parma in two stints at the club, either side of a move to London Irish for the 2022/23 campaign – where he made 19 appearances in total across the Gallagher Premiership and Investec Champions Cup competitions, before the Exiles were placed into administration.

He has made more than 50 appearances for both Zebre and Italy, and is now looking forward to the next chapter of his career, at Saints.

“For me it’s very special to be joining Northampton Saints,” said Fischetti.

“I loved my previous spell in the Premiership with London Irish – the competitiveness of the competition and the support from the fans across the league is very good.

“I remember coming into cinch Stadium at Franklin’s Gardens for the first time a few years ago and being blown away by the place, and the way the supporters got behind the team was really crazy.

“I’ve already had some helpful conversations with the coaches at Saints, who showed me where they think I can improve my game, and these are areas which are a big focus for me.

“As a prop, I love getting around the park to make as many tackles and carries as I can, that’s probably my super strength – but of course the set piece is also crucial for me and making sure I am as impactful as possible in that area.

“The opportunity to play for Northampton is incredible.

"I enjoyed watching the team win the Premiership title last year, and repeating that is a huge target for me – I am coming here to try to win trophies.

“But my first steps are to play well and settle in at the club as best I can, so I am very really looking forward to getting started in Northampton next season.”