Northampton Saints have announced that back-rower Juarno Augustus will depart the club at the end of the season to join Ulster Rugby.
Augustus, who joined the Saints in the summer of 2021, has made a significant impact during his time at the Premiership club, appearing in 65 matches and scoring 15 tries. The South African forward played a pivotal role in the Saints’ successful campaign for the Premiership title last season, contributing with nine starts and 17 appearances, including the final against Bath.
The 26-year-old has signed a three-year contract with the Irish province. Northampton’s director of rugby, Phil Dowson, expressed disappointment over Augustus’s decision to leave. “Clearly we’re disappointed to see a player of Juarno’s quality choose to move on from Saints,” Dowson stated. “He’s made a decision which he believes will be best for him and his family in the long-term, but I know Juarno is now putting all his focus and energy into ensuring that he gives as much as he can to our group at Saints for the remainder of his time in Northampton.”
Dowson praised Augustus for his contributions to the team, noting that he has provided fans with many memorable moments. “Juarno’s made a big contribution to the team’s success in his time here, and we will wish him well after the end of this season,” he added.
Known affectionately as ‘Trokkie,’ Augustus was named the 2017 World Rugby Junior Player of the Year after finishing as the top try-scorer at the World Rugby U20 Championship. Despite his impressive performances for both Northampton and the Stormers, he has yet to make his debut in international rugby.
Reflecting on his departure, Augustus shared his mixed emotions: “I love playing for Saints, and living in Northampton, so this was a very difficult decision for me to make. The players, staff, and supporters have really made the Club feel like home for my partner Kaylene and me during my four seasons here. We have made amazing memories, especially lifting the Premiership trophy last season, which was a dream come true.”
He continued, “Saints will always have a very special place in my heart. While next summer is the right time for me to move on, I will give absolutely everything I can to the team for the rest of the season to try to finish my time here with more success and silverware.”
On his future with Ulster, Augustus expressed enthusiasm about joining the historic club. “I’m very excited to sign for such a historic club in Ulster Rugby. From my conversations, I believe in the project and can see the potential. It’s exciting to be a part of that, and I look forward to meeting my new coaches and teammates in Belfast next summer. I have heard about the proud history of the province with South African players, so I will hopefully feel right at home.”
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