Northampton Saints star to make shock exit by heading to Ireland

Ulster Rugby have announced the impressive signing of Northampton Saints number 8, Juarno Augustus ahead of the 2025/26 season on a three-year deal. The 26-year-old South African will join the Irish province in the summer of 2025 after four years in the east-midlands with Northampton.

Standing 6’2, weighing 118kg, and affectionately known as ‘Trokkie’ (small truck), the 26-year-old South African has enjoyed a prosperous time in England. Fans will forever remember him for his barnstorming runs and hard hits as a stand-out player in his side’s Gallagher Premiership title victory last season.

Ulster General Manager, Bryn Cunningham spoke about his new signing, saying:

“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.”

On signing with Ulster, the former World Rugby Junior Player of the Year said:

“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.

“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!”