Ulster have announced the signing of Northampton back row Juarno Augustus, who will join the province on a three-year deal next summer.
The 26-year old South African joined Northampton Saints from Western Province in 2021, and was a key figure in their Gallagher Premiership victory in 2023-24, only the club's second in their history.
Augustus has yet to win a Springbok cap at senior level, though was crowned World Rugby Junior Player of the Year in 2017 following his performances in that year's Under-20 World Cup.
Something big is coming to Ulster. pic.twitter.com/yDCkUgQs3U
— Ulster Rugby (@UlsterRugby) November 26, 2024
Ulster Rugby's general manager Bryn Cunningham welcomed his arrival, saying: "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."
Augustus 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.
"I have heard about the proud history of the province with South African players, so I will hopefully feel right at home."
Watch Ulster v Leinster in the URC on Friday from 7.20pm on RTÉ Player
Follow a live blog on Ireland v Australia on Saturday from 3.10pm on rte.ie/sport and the RTÉ News app. Listen to live commentary on 2fm
Watch Connacht v Bulls in the URC on Saturday from 5pm on RTÉ2 and RTÉ Player
