In the highly competitive landscape of English Premiership rugby, breakthrough seasons are often the stuff of legend. For 19-year-old Edoardo Todaro, the start of the 2025-26 season has been nothing short of meteoric. Not widely tipped for immediate impact, the young Italian talent has established himself as a regular fixture in the Northampton Saints backline, transforming from an unheralded prospect into an international representative in just five months.
The Meteoric Rise at Franklin’s Gardens
Edoardo Todaro’s integration into the Northampton Saints setup has been seamless, defying expectations for a player of his age. The article detailing his early success, penned by Paul Rees for The Rugby Paper in January 2026, highlights a player who has seized every opportunity presented to him.
A Debut to Remember
Todaro made his senior Premiership debut on the opening day of the campaign, a baptism by fire that he navigated with remarkable composure. Playing on the wing against a formidable Exeter Chiefs side, he didn't just feature; he announced his arrival by crossing the whitewash for two tries. This immediate try-scoring prowess on his first league outing set the tone for the remainder of his initial phase with the club.
Prior to his Premiership start, Todaro had already tested the waters in the Premiership Cup, again featuring on the wing. This exposure allowed him to acclimatise to the pace and physicality of top-tier English club rugby, proving his versatility and readiness for the bigger stage.
International Recognition Follows Club Success
The transition from club standout to national representative is a clear indicator of sustained high performance. While Todaro had previously gained experience across the backline for Italy’s Under-20 side—playing at inside centre, outside centre, and fullback—his club form directly propelled him into the senior Italian setup.
Northampton’s initial season struggles, exacerbated by absences such as the noted absence of Tommy Freeman, created a vacuum that Todaro was quick to fill. His ability to adapt to various backline positions—from the wing where he showcased his finishing skills, to the midfield roles he occupied previously—demonstrates an impressive rugby IQ for a teenager.
Versatility: A Key Asset
In modern rugby, players who can cover multiple positions are invaluable. Todaro’s background across the centre three and at fullback means he offers significant tactical flexibility to both Northampton and the Italian national team coaches. This positional fluidity is often what separates promising youngsters from established professionals. For Saints, having a player who can seamlessly slot in when senior players are away on international duty (such as during the Six Nations window) is crucial for maintaining momentum in the Premiership and European competitions like the Champions Cup.
Looking Ahead: Potential and Pressure
At just 19, Todaro is absorbing experience at an incredible rate. Being a regular starter for a top-tier Premiership club while simultaneously earning international honours places him under a bright spotlight. The challenge now shifts from merely breaking into the team to cementing his place and developing consistency against seasoned opponents.
The surrounding context of Northampton Saints—a club with rich history and high aspirations, competing against the likes of Harlequins, Exeter, and other European heavyweights—means every performance is scrutinised. His knack for finding the try-line early on suggests he possesses the necessary attacking instincts, but his continued development in defensive structure and game management will be vital for long-term success.
For Italian rugby, Todaro represents a bright future. Alongside other emerging talents, he is part of a generation expected to propel the Azzurri further up the standings in the Six Nations and beyond. His success at Northampton provides a strong platform, demonstrating that English club rugby remains a premier testing ground for international prospects.
As the 2025-26 season progresses, all eyes will be on Edoardo Todaro to see if this initial burst of form is the start of a sustained, high-impact career. His journey from relative obscurity to a starting role and international cap within half a season is a compelling narrative in the world of professional rugby.
