Juarno Augustus to join Ulster Rugby on 3 year-deal

The 26-year-old South African has been an integral part of the Northampton first team since joining in 2021, winning the Gallagher Premiership title last season and impressing in the Investec Champions Cup with his explosive performances.

Standing 6’2 and weighing 118kg, and affectionately known as ‘Trokkie’ (small truck), Augustus has built up a reputation as a strong ball-carrying threat during his time at Northampton, and before that at DHL Stormers and Western Province.

Augustus had a stand-out junior international career, highlighted when he was named 2017 World Rugby Junior Player of the Year, having finished top try scorer at that year’s World Rugby Under 20 Championship.

Reacting to the news, Ulster Rugby’s General Manager, Bryn Cunningham added:

“We are delighted to agree terms with Juarno and are extremely excited about what he will bring to Ulster Rugby.

“He has shown with Northampton Saints that he is a huge physical presence in the back row, with fantastic ball-carrying and a destructive threat around the breakdown. The modern game is so much about having a point of difference, particularly in explosiveness, and Juarno certainly has this.

"Having already been a key part of a premiership winning team with his peak years just in front of him, he has a rare combination of experience and youth. At the core of our recruitment strategy over the coming years will be the continual development of our homegrown players supplemented with targeted acquisitions like Juarno, so we're delighted that he has decided to be part of our plans and are really excited about the impact he will have."

On signing with Ulster, Augustus said

“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.

“I’ve heard a lot about the amazing atmosphere in Belfast and can’t wait to meet all the Ulster fans soon!”