Todaro nears Northampton return after cruciate injury cut short debut season

Edoardo Todaro is on the verge of returning to action for Northampton Saints after a cruciate ligament injury ended his debut Premiership season prematurely, with head coach Phil Dowson confirming the 20-year-old Italian winger has rejoined full training and could be available for selection within a fortnight.

Todaro had made a remarkable impression in his first campaign at Franklin’s Gardens, scoring ten tries in 13 appearances before tearing the cruciate ligament in his right knee during an Italy training camp ahead of the Six Nations. The injury denied him what had been shaping into one of the most eye-catching debut seasons in the Premiership.

“He joined in with training today and looks sharp,” Dowson said. “We want to make sure we manage that transition back from his rehab into full-scale, full-contact rugby. So hopefully next couple of weeks he’ll be back in the mix.”

Dowson was keen to remind supporters of just how significant Todaro’s contribution had been before the setback. “His scoring rate was exceptional, but I think also his ability to beat people. His introduction to Prem rugby was phenomenal, and I think people may lose sight of that because it was a while ago and it was the first half of the season. But we’re excited about getting him back. It’s tough for a young player to come in and immediately take a long-term injury. He’s been digging it out.”

The Saints head coach also revealed that centre Henry Lumley, a talent who has featured in Premiership Rugby Cup action, has been recovering on a similar timeline to Todaro. The pair have pushed each other through their respective rehabilitation programmes and are expected to return at roughly the same time.

In a second piece of positive news, outside centre Tom Litchfield — who has not featured since Northampton’s Gallagher Premiership Final victory over Exeter Chiefs in June — is also around two weeks away from a return after sustaining an ankle injury while on tour in Sri Lanka. Dowson confirmed Litchfield’s comeback is now in sight, offering Saints further depth in the backs as the season builds momentum.