Italy scrum-half Callum Braley signs for Northampton Saints

Italian scrum-half Callum Braley has signed for Northampton Saints ahead of the 2022/23 season after making the switch from Italian side Benetton.

Bristol-born Braley has played his club rugby for Benetton Rugby since 2020 having come through the Bristol Bears pathway in 2012 before spending six years at Gloucester from 2014 to 2020.

The 27-year-old boasts 13 caps for Italy and is currently part of Kieran Crowley’s Six Nations squad. Braley qualifies for the Azzurri through his grandfather.

Braley told the Northampton Saints website: “I’m really excited to sign for a huge Club in Northampton Saints and return to the Gallagher Premiership.”

“My experience over in Italy has been fantastic and I feel like I have grown as a person and a player, but I am ready for a return to England and to challenge for silverware with Saints.

“Northampton players are encouraged to express themselves on the field and I love the way the team plays. It’s clear to me there’s a great environment to develop as a player at Franklin’s Gardens, and there are exciting times ahead with the coaching group that has been put in place for next season.

“I remember how passionate the Northampton supporters are from my time in the Premiership, and I hope I can do them proud when I pull on a Black, Green and Gold jersey next season.”

Hailing from St Mary’s Old Boys RFC to the north of Bristol, Braley went through both the Bristol Bears academy pathway and England age groups up to U20. Braley skippered the 2014 England U20 side in the Junior World Championships where they successfully defended their crown.

Braley made a West Country switch to Gloucester Rugby in 2014 and notched up over a century of appearances for the Cherry & Whites.

His form at Kingsholm saw him selected for Italy ahead of the 2019 Rugby World Cup – Braley made his full international debut in a warm-up match against Ireland before featuring twice at the tournament in Japan against Canada and South Africa.

A move over to Italy with United Rugby Championship side Benetton Rugby beckoned, with Braley moving to Treviso in 2020 to play his club rugby alongside a number of his international teammates, and there he was part of the side which claimed a surprise victory over the Bulls in the 2021 Pro14 Rainbow Cup final – a historic first success in an international competition for any Italian club.

Saints’ Attack Coach, Sam Vesty, added: “Callum is someone who has really impressed us with his all-round quality. His basics are strong and his ability to get the ball up and moving quickly suits the way we play.

“He’s also got superb leadership qualities, playing at the highest level internationally, and boasts experience across multiple leagues.

“So we’re confident he can add a lot to our young group of scrum-halves who are all already pushing each other to improve constantly.”