Salakaia-Loto leaves Saints with immediate effect

Northampton Saints today confirms that lock Lukhan Salakaia-Loto will depart the Club with immediate effect.

The 26-year-old second row joined the men in Black, Green and Gold ahead of the 2022/23 season from Queensland Reds.

Salakaia-Loto made 24 appearances in total for Saints, scoring twice against Bristol Bears and Harlequins, both at cinch Stadium at Franklin’s Gardens.

“We’re disappointed to see Lukhan return home to Australia, but he made it clear that, while he has enjoyed every moment of his time as a Saint, his family have not settled so far away from home,” said Director of Rugby, Phil Dowson.

“No matter what, as a rugby player your family always has to come first, so we understand Lukhan’s decision and wish him the best moving forward.”

Salakaia-Loto added: “I’m leaving Saints with a heavy heart as I loved my first season representing Northampton and being part of a special group of players here.

“I believe the Club has everything in place to challenge for major silverware in the years ahead, but you have to put your family before everything else, and being on the other side of the world from the rest of our loved ones has been difficult.

“So, we’ve made the decision to return home to Australia, but I’ll always cherish the short time I had in Black, Green and Gold, and how all the Saints supporters welcomed us into this community in Northampton.

“I’m leaving some great teammates and friends, but I hope the boys can kick on again next season – and I’ll be supporting everyone at Saints from afar.”