Former Stormer swaps Premiership for URC

NEWS: After four seasons Northampton Saints will bid farewell to their South African loose forward at the end of the season.

The club confirmed that Juarno Augustus will leave them at the end of the 2024/25 season, having signed with Irish side Ulster.

The No. 8 is in his fourth season in the Black, Green, and Gold (having arrived at Franklin’s Gardens in the summer of 2021) and has made 65 appearances so far for the Saints, scoring 15 tries.

Augustus, who previously represented Western Province and the Stormers, was part of the Northampton side that claimed the Premiership crown last season – making nine starts in 17 appearances in 2023/24, including the Final at Twickenham against Bath.

“Clearly we’re disappointed to see a player of Juarno’s quality choose to move on from Saints,” said Director of Rugby, Phil Dowson.

“He’s made a decision that 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.”

Augustus added: “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 made the Club feel like home for my partner Kaylene and me during my four seasons here, and we have made amazing memories that 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.”