Northampton Saints have confirmed the departure of back-rower Juarno Augustus, who will join Ulster at the end of the season.
The South African forward joined Saints in the summer of 2021 and has gone on to make 65 appearances for the Premiership club scoring 15 tries.
The former Stormers and Western Province back-rower played a starring role in Saints’ charge to the Premiership title last season, making nine starts and 17 appearances including the final against Bath.
Juarno Augustus signs for Ulster
However, he will leave the club at the end of the campaign after signing a three-year with Irish province Ulster.
“Clearly we’re disappointed to see a player of Juarno’s quality choose to move on from Saints,” said Northampton director of rugby, Phil Dowson.
“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.
“Juarno’s made a big contribution to the team’s success in his time here, our supporters love watching him play as he’s provided them with plenty of memorable moments, and we will wish him well after the end of this season.”
The back-rower affectionately known as ‘Trokkie’ was named 2017 World Rugby Junior Player of the Year, having finished top try-scorer at that year’s World Rugby U20 Championship. However, he has never taken the step up to international rugby despite showing strong form for Northampton and the Stormers previously.
‘It is my dream to play for the Springboks’ – Juarno Augustus eyes Rassie’s call despite ‘no chats’
“Saints will always have a very special place in my heart”
Commenting on his departure from Northampton, Augustus said: “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 I during my four seasons here, and we have made amazing memories which will stay with me forever – especially lifting the Premiership trophy last season, which was a dream come true.
“Saints will always have a very special place in my heart, and 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 signing with Ulster, Augustus added: “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!”
READ MORE: ‘World-class’ Liam Williams returns to the Premiership as Saracens make ‘no-brainer’ call to ease injury crisis
Copyright for syndicated content belongs to the linked Source link
