Northampton lock Lukhan Salakaia-Loto to make Australia return

Northampton Saints have confirmed that lock Lukhan Salakaia-Loto will leave the club with immediate effect.

The 26-year-old will now return back to Australia citing family reasons and has been linked with Super Rugby club Melbourne Rebels.

Salakaia-Loto joined Northampton Saints in 2022 and has made 24 appearances for the club on what was his only season with the club.

Making his Australia debut in 2017, the 26-year-old had a six year stint with Melbourne Rebels and has experience of playing for Randwick, Brisbane City and Australia Under 20 side in the past.

“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," he told the club's official website.

“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.”