No SA return for Bok prospect Juarno Augustus

Northampton Saints have secured the services of their influential South African No.8, Juarno Augustus, who has signed a new contract with the club.

It puts to bed any suggestion he’d return to South Africa in the short-term at least.

Augustus has become an integral part of the first team at the cinch Stadium at Franklin’s Gardens, leaving a lasting impact since his arrival in the summer of 2021.

Over the course of two seasons, he has demonstrated his prowess, appearing in 45 matches for the Saints and crossing the try line 13 times in the iconic Black, Green, and Gold jersey.

Standing tall at 6’2″ and weighing in at 116kg, Augustus has consistently impressed with his powerful and dynamic ball-carrying ability, establishing himself as a formidable force in the back row. Throughout the 2022/23 season, the 25-year-old outperformed his fellow forwards, leading the league in metres gained. Moreover, he topped the Premiership rankings for meters made after contact.

Augustus peviously represented Currie Cup side Western Province and the Stormers in Super Rugby. Touted as future Springbok, he was involved in the Springbok Green vs Springbok Gold invitational match in October 2020, having previously been named Player of the Tournament at the 2017 World Rugby Under-20 Championship in Georgia.

“For me it was an incredibly easy decision to stay at Saints,” said Augustus. “From my very first day at the Club, I have felt welcome and I love the group of boys we have here.”

The retention of the Bok prospect is a significant boost for Saints, who were beaten in the Gallagher Premiership semi-final by Saracens.

“We’re delighted to keep Juarno at the Club because of the impact he can have on matches for Northampton Saints,” said Director of Rugby, Phil Dowson.

“His ball-carrying ability clearly sets him apart – statistically he is one of the very best in the league – but he has huge desire to get better across the board and is improving all the time; creating more turnovers, offloading more often both before and after contact, being stronger in defence, and jumping in our lineout as well.

“He’s a class act and makes things happen in games for us as he gets us going forward, which is a very valuable commodity indeed. There’s loads more he can offer as well, and we look to get him in the game as regularly as possible because, more often than not, the more he touches the ball the better we play.

“Juarno’s also a really good personality to have in the group. He’s got a great sense of humour, is pretty relaxed around the camp, and I know he’s popular amongst the lads, so everyone is thrilled to keep him here.”