Ulster's new signing Juarno Augustus excited to follow in footsteps of fellow South African stars

Ulster Rugby's latest signing, who is affectionately known as ‘Trokkie’ (small truck), is excited to become the latest South African player to join the province. Juarno Augustus will make the switch to Belfast from Northampton Saints on a three-year deal next summer.

The 26-year-old 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 at 6’2 and weighing 118kg Augustus' nickname is perhaps not surprising, especially given his strong ball-carrying threat during his time with the Saints, and before that at DHL Stormers and Western Province. Now he is relishing his new challenge and following in the footsteps of his fellow countrymen.

READ NEXT: ‘What the f*** am I doing here?’ - Ex-Derry boss Higgins on grief and regret

READ NEXT: Larne confirm new manager as Nathan Rooney replaces Tiernan Lynch at Inver

“I’m very excited to sign for such a historic club in Ulster Rugby," he said. "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!”

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.

“We are delighted to agree terms with Juarno and are extremely excited about what he will bring to Ulster Rugby," said Ulster Rugby’s General Manager, Bryn Cunningham.

“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."

Sign up to our free sports newsletter to get the latest headlines to your inbox