Northampton complete Kundiona signing: 'He's someone with a lot of athleticism, he's a big man'

NORTHAMPTON - Northampton Saints have completed the signing of Zimbabwe prop Cleopas Kundiona from French side USON Nevers.

The 26-year-old tight-head will join the English Premiership club for the 2025-26 season, having made 49 appearances for Nevers.

Kundiona will be the second Zimbabwean to play for Saints following ex-Springbok and fellow prop Brian Mujati, who was with them from 2009 to 2013.

News of Kundiona joining Saints first broke out in local Zimbabwean media at the beginning of February after a top Nevers official revealed that the club was in financial stress and unable to keep its best players.

"We initially spoke with Cleopas around 18 months ago, and we've continued to watch him over at Nevers," said Saints director of rugby Phil Dowson.

"He's garnered a huge amount of experience in what is a very tough French league, and he's someone with a lot of athleticism; he's a big man, but he is also fast and very powerful."

Kundiona helped Zimbabwe win last year's Africa Cup, beating Algeria 29-3 in the final in Uganda.

"I'm extremely grateful for this opportunity, it feels like a blessing for me to make this step and it has taken a lot of hard work and perseverance," he said.

"The league is definitely faster than Pro D2, and I've already watched plenty of Saints' matches so I am relishing the chance to work alongside the players already at the club." - BBC

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