Saints 'disappointed' as Juarno Augustus becomes latest back-row to exit club

Northampton Saints No 8 Juarno Augustus is set to leave Franklin’s Gardens at the end of the season after signing a three-year deal with United Rugby Championship outfit Ulster.

The former South Africa U20 international moved to the Gallagher Premiership from the Stormers in 2021, and has made 65 appearances for the club to date, scoring 15 tries.

The 26-year-old started at the back of the scrum in the Saints’ Premiership final victory over Bath last season. As of next season, two-thirds of that starting back-row will be gone, with Courtney Lawes’ departure over the summer.

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Saints will have seen some major upheaval of their back-row stalwarts come the end of the season, as Lewis Ludlam also left the club following the Premiership final last season.

The 118kg forward has proven to be one of the most destructive ball-carriers in England, and Ulster are relishing adding him to their pack next season.

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“I’m very excited to sign for such a historic club in Ulster Rugby,” the South African said to his new club. “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!”

Ulster 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.”

Northampton director of rugby Phil Dowson said: “Clearly we’re disappointed to see a player of Juarno’s quality choose to move on from Saints.

“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.”