Northampton Saints can today confirm that Juarno Augustus has put pen to paper on a new contract with the Club.
The influential South African No.8 has become a fixture in the first team at cinch Stadium at Franklin’s Gardens, making 45 appearances and scoring 13 tries so far in Black, Green and Gold in the two seasons since his arrival in the summer of 2021.
At 6’2” and 116kg, Augustus has proven himself to be a back row built for the physical demands of the Gallagher Premiership, demonstrating his powerful and dynamic ball-carrying ability on a regular basis for Saints.
During the 2022/23 season, the 25-year-old made more metres with ball in hand than any other forward in the league, while also topping the Premiership rankings in metres made after contact.
“We’re delighted to keep Juarno at the Club because of the impact he can have on matches for Northampton Saints,” said Director of Rugby, Phil Dowson.
“His ball-carrying ability clearly sets him apart – statistically he is one of the very best in the league – but he has huge desire to get better across the board and is improving all the time; creating more turnovers, offloading more often both before and after contact, being stronger in defence, and jumping in our lineout as well.
“He’s a class act and makes things happen in games for us as he gets us going forward, which is a very valuable commodity indeed.”
Phil Dowson, Director of Rugby
“There’s loads more he can offer as well, and we look to get him in the game as regularly as possible because, more often than not, the more he touches the ball the better we play.
“Juarno’s also a really good personality to have in the group. He’s got a great sense of humour, is pretty relaxed around the camp, and I know he’s popular amongst the lads, so everyone is thrilled to keep him here.”
Before arriving in Northampton, Augustus represented Currie Cup side Western Province and the Stormers in Super Rugby.
He was involved in the Springbok Green vs Springbok Gold invitational match in October 2020, having previously enjoyed a stellar junior international career when he was named Player of the Tournament at the 2017 World Rugby Under-20 Championship in Georgia.
But despite travelling across the world to ply his trade in Northampton, Augustus insists he has never felt more at home.
“For me it was an incredibly easy decision to stay at Saints,” he said.
“From my very first day at the Club, I have felt welcome and I love the group of boys we have here.”
Juarno Augustus
“I’m also really enjoying my rugby in Northampton. I’m involved with the team almost every week, and we play with a style which really suits my game too. I know that my game has improved so much since I’ve come over thanks to the coaches, staff and players here.
“For the last two years we have come within a couple of games of winning the Premiership, and one hundred percent I think with the squad we have, we can go even further in the coming years. We just have to believe in ourselves and keep on improving.
“The Club’s supporters are incredible – it’s a massive part of wanting to stay in Northampton as well. The stadium is full every week, the pitch is the best in the league, so I love playing at the Gardens and I can’t wait to continue.”
