Statement: Northampton Saints confirm Juarno Augustus will depart this summer
Today at 09:54 AM
Juarno Augustushas confirmed he'll leave Northampton Saints at the conclusion of the 2024/25 season to join Ulster Rugby in Ireland.
Augustus, 26, has been a fan favorite at Franklin's Gardens since arriving from South Africa's Western Province and Stormers in 2021. Over four seasons, he's clocked up an impressive 65 appearances and crossed the whitewash 15 times.
A Premiership champion bows out
Augustus played a pivotal role in Saints' Gallagher Premiership-winning campaign last season, featuring nine times in 17 matches, including a memorable start in the Final against Bath at Twickenham.
Director of Rugby Phil Dowson didn't hide his disappointment about the departure.
"Clearly, we're disappointed to see a player of Juarno's quality choose to move on," said Dowson. "He's made a decision for the long-term benefit of his family, but his focus is firmly on helping Saints achieve more success this season."
Augustus reflects on his Saints journey
For Augustus, leaving Northampton will be far from easy.
"I love playing for Saints and living in Northampton, so this was a very difficult decision," he admitted. "The players, staff, and supporters have made the Club feel like home for my partner Kaylene and me.
"Lifting the Premiership trophy last season was a dream come true. Saints will always hold a special place in my heart, and I'm determined to give everything I can to the team this season to finish on a high."
Northampton fans will be hoping Augustus adds more silverware to his Saints legacy before his move to Belfast.
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England's EIGHT worst players during the Autumn Nations Series
England’s Autumn Nations Series has been one to forget, but at least it ended with a bang as Steve Borthwick's men demolished Eddie Jones' Japan 56-7 at Twickenham's Allianz Stadium.
The nine-try romp may have snapped a painful five-match losing streak, but it wasn't enough to paper over the cracks of a bruising campaign. Close defeats to New Zealand, Australia, and South Africa left fans and pundits unimpressed.
And it seems The Telegraph wasn't holding back, handing out some savage 5/10 ratings to eight players for their efforts across the series. Harsh? You decide.
Fin Baxter
“Could not quite carry over the momentum he established from the New Zealand tour. Possibly suffering from the equivalent of the tricky second album syndrome.”
Theo Dan
“There's a definite spark when he comes off the bench in terms of his ball-carrying but England's set piece does creak with him on the field.”
Dan Cole
“Like a Clint Eastwood Western character keeps postponing retirement for 'one last job'. England's scrum did wobble when he came on, but Borthwick will be desperate for him to stick around.”
George Martin
“Came in this campaign with minimal game time and it showed as he looked to be struggling to last the pace. Uncharacteristically made a few too many missed tackles.”
Nick Isiekwe
“Made very little impression coming on as a replacement aside from one stolen lineout against Japan. A decent performer in the Premiership but England need more dynamism.”
Alex Dombrandt
“Feels a clear area of upgrade for the Six Nations. Made little impression coming off the bench with his static carry and poor ball presentation leading to George Ford's skewed drop goal.”
George Ford
“The missed drop goal was unfortunate and certainly not all his fault so did not deserve to be booed the following week when the crowd thought he was replacing Smith. Will come again.”
Henry Slade
“Some exquisite touches but never truly grabbed the game by the scruff of the neck. How many times has that been written of Slade? Also appeared to be involved in several defensive doglegs.”
For the full ratings and context, visit The Telegraph website.
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