Ulster Rugby sign Northampton back-rower Juarno Augustus on three-year deal 

IN THE THICK OF IT: Munster players Jack O'Donoghue and John Ryan tussle with Northampton Saints players, from left, Juarno Augustus, Lewis Ludlam and David Ribbans in 2022. Pic: Seb Daly/Sportsfile

Ulster have announced Northampton number eight Juarno Augustus will join the province on a three-year deal starting next summer. 

26-year-old Augustus has been an integral part of the Saints setup since joining in 2021, winning the Premiership title last season, while also impressing in the Champions Cup.

The South African has proved himself to be a strong ball-carrying threat during his time at Franklins Gardens, and before that at DHL Stormers and Western Province.

“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," said the 6'2, 118kg back-rower.

“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 enjoyed success early on in his career, highlighted when he was named 2017 World Rugby Junior Player of the Year, and Ulster General Manager Bryn Cunningham has conveyed his delight at getting the deal over the line.

“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."