The Northampton Saints will be without one of world rugby’s rising stars for their Investec Champions Cup matches against Pau and the Vodacom Bulls.

Italian star Edoardo Todaro was handed a two-match suspension for a dangerous aerial challenge in his side’s English Premiership game against Bristol.

The 19-year-old saw red card just one minute into Saints’ round-six defeat at Ashton Gate after colliding recklessly with flyhalf Sam Worsley while competing for a high ball.

Todaro, who made his Test debut for Italy against Chile last month, admitted foul play during the disciplinary hearing, resulting in a two-match ban.

Both players were praised for their conduct following the incident, with the RFU disciplinary panel highlighting the sportsmanship shown in the aftermath of the collision.

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In the written judgement, the committee noted: “In no way did Mr Worsley seek to gain further advantage or ‘milk’ the situation, as so often we sadly see now. Mr Todaro immediately approached his opponent and made his apologies known in an entirely appropriate manner.”

The panel added: “As regrettable as this particular instance of foul play was, it was refreshing to see rugby players behaving with such appropriate decorum.”

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Todaro has been one of Northampton’s breakout performers this season, impressing with his pace and work rate on the wing. His absence will force Saints to reshuffle their back-three options as they launch their European campaign.

Edoardo Todaro out here breaking ankles 😤 pic.twitter.com/TrmNq4Hdh0

— PREM Rugby (@premrugby) October 5, 2025

The Bulls’ clash at Franklin’s Gardens is one of the early-season heavyweight showdowns.

Photo: Simon Galloway/Getty Images