NORTHAMPTON SAINTS BACKROWER Juarno Augustus has joined Ulster on a three-year deal next summer.
The 26-year-old South African won a Gallagher Premiership title last season after joining the Northampton side in 2021. The number eight has made 65 appearances for the club so far and has scored 15 tries. Augustus previously had spells with DHL Stormers and Western Province.
Known as ‘Trokkie’ (small truck), is known for his strong ball-carrying abilities. He was named the World Rugby Junior Player of the Year in 2017 after finishing as top try-scorer at that year’s World Rugby Under 20 Championship.
Something big is coming to Ulster. pic.twitter.com/yDCkUgQs3U
— Ulster Rugby (@UlsterRugby) November 26, 2024
“I’m very excited to sign for such a historic club in Ulster Rugby,” Augustus said following the announcement. “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!”
Got to love the Ulster Socials team. Class reveal. I remember watching him at 20’s level and I had him earmarked to be a world class 8. He hasn’t hit those heights but he’s still an explosive carrier who gets over the gain line at will and his post contact metres are always substantial. He’s a very established at the bd too. Ulster do lack this kind of option at 8 so it’s a welcome addition. At 26 he’s a good age to get in and they’ll have him for his prime years. I do wonder does this mean we’ll see McCann play more at 7 where I am a big fan of his. Ireland do lack a bit of depth at 7 so maybe this has been touted by Humphrey’s and the irfu. Time will tell. But he only adds to Ulsters already impressive br options. Overall a very good signing.
@Ian1989: McCann at 7, if it works out, would surely get him into an Irish squad?
@Paul Ennis: one would think so, obviously he would have to put in some good performances at 7 but I have no doubt he’ll excel there. He’s excellent at the bd, fast enough to be a support runner, excellent on D and has a great engine. It could be a great addition to our lineout too both defensively and offensively . He’s an excellent lo operator and it could mean we have 5 receiver options at a lo.
@Ian1989: DMcC is already got plenty of mileage at 7, 10 of his 17 starts last season were at openside. 1 of 5 so far this season. Think this season we’ll see more Izzy, Timoney, McCann, and when Augustus joins there will be a lot of rotation/injuries and can pick horses for courses. Augustus appears to be the crashball ball carrier we need in BR, and dont think teams will fancy facing Henderson, Sheridan, Izzy, Augustus and McCloskey carrying at them.
@Kingshu: yeah I knew in previous seasons ye picked him a lot at 7 but this season he’s at 8 a lot but that said at 8 he is still doing things a 7 would do.
Ye will have some serious ball carrying options. That sr and br combo would cause any team in the world issues. Exiting times in that regard. Especially if ye pick up a v good NIQ second row.
Sounds like a great signing – haven’t really had a big ball carrier since Vermeulen. Could be doing with him now!
That’s brightened up my morning.
I’m sure all the Ulster fans that are quick to point out Munster have had numerous NIQ centres will be quick to point out their own dependency on NIQ back rowers
@5sZl1dX2: we currently have two backrowers in the Ireland squad so I think you’ll find we are producing backrowers. Maybe this signals a move for Izzy to lock though so we will just have to work with Rea Jr, McCann, McNabney, Crothers, Timoney and the other guys we have produced
@5sZl1dX2: currently only have one NIQ, A winger, no NIQ backrows currently.
@Ross Watson: those 2 are from Leinster.
@John Buckley: all Ulster academy products
@Ross Watson: interested to hear ulster’s fans perspective on mcnabney, crothers and Sheridan. I don’t get to see these guys playing unless it’s against the other provinces, but do they have the potential to kick on and challenge for an ireland jersey in the next 2 to 3 years?
@Scott: Sheridan could certainly compete for a lock spot although he is on the smaller side for a lock. Too early to say for the others but I think they should be excellent provincial players at least.
I’d have thought that Ulster needed a second row more than another BR. Still, good luck to him and Ulster with this signing
@Kevin Ryan: Ulster have only one NIQ, this makes it two, the others have at least 3, so think there will be another NIQ addition to come.
@Kevin Ryan: Izzy to second row – Ireland need more options there too
He is class, great carrier
He’s a beast on go forward ball, he’ll work well with Timoney and McCann