The Moldovan-born Italy international arrived at Franklin’s Gardens after making 51 appearances across five seasons for Zebre, following former Zebre teammates Malik Faissal and Danilo Fischetti to Northampton. 

Born in Chișinău, Moldova, Neculai moved to Italy at a young age and progressed through the ranks with Elba Rugby and I Cavalieri before joining Zebre in 2021 at the age of 20. He made his senior debut against the Lions in the opening round of that season’s United Rugby Championship.

Neculai also represented Italy Under-20s in 2020 and 2021, earning eight caps and scoring three tries. His performances at the age-group level led to selection for Italy A before he made the step up to the senior international squad.

The following season, Neculai was included in Italy’s squad for their summer tour and made his Test debut against Portugal before featuring against Romania and Georgia.

The prop earned his fourth Italy cap at the 2026 Nations Championship in Perth, coming off the bench alongside Fischetti as the Azzurri faced Australia.