Naoto Saito

Naoto Saito is a Japan international scrum-half who joined Stade Toulousain in 2023, bringing the high-tempo, attacking style honed in the Japanese game to one of Europe's most decorated clubs. Born in August 1997, Saito made his name with Suntory Sungoliath in Japan's top flight before earning his move to the Top 14, where he provides quick, sharp service and an energetic running threat from the base of the ruck. His game is built on speed of thought and execution, the snappy pass, the tempo he sets around the breakdown and a willingness to snipe and probe at the fringes of a defence. At Toulouse he competes within a world-class roster of half-backs, offering both a distinctive rhythm in attack and a tactical kicking game when matches demand control. A regular in Japan's national set-up, Saito combines international experience with the adventurous instincts that have long characterised Japanese rugby, giving the French side a different dimension when he steps onto the field.